Center of the Future = LaMarcus Aldridge?

[e_blazer]

This quote from Jason Quick's article today got me thinking:

Center of the future? Last week, Blazers coach Nate McMillan was asked about Aldridge's chances at being chosen an All-Star reserve this season at power forward when he revealed some interesting insight into the organization's vision.

"I think the conversation for him is, is he a center?" McMillan asked. "Do you move him to center or do you keep him at power forward?"

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2011/01/blazers_notebook_wesley_matthe.html

With the lack of quality true centers in the league, the uncertainty about what Greg Oden will be able to do, and with as well as Aldridge has played at that position this season, it certainly is worth considering reworking the team and moving him to that spot. Power forwards are always an easier commodity to come by than centers. I can't help but think that Aldridge is similar in height and weight to Walton in his prime. If you could find a Lucas-type PF to play along side of him, the Blazers could really look to get out and run. Man, I'd love to see that style of play again.

 

[Nikolokolus]

If you look at LMA's numbers at 82games.com there is certainly an argument to be made that he is more effective at center, but from my own recollection he seems to only play there in small-ball lineups so maybe it's more situational.

http://www.82games.com/1011/10POR11.HTM

So, if the Blazers can swing a trade or draft a high-level prospect for a power forward who compliments him then maybe it can work -- probably another forward-center type player with length given all the switching that the Blazers like to run.

Perhaps it's telling that this sort of internal dialog is starting to take place; if LMA is moving to center, then Greg goes where? off then bench, on the trade block?

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Interesting subject.

Pros: LA seems very rugged, as in impervious to injuries. He moves well. He can score inside or outside and we can stop worrying who our center will be year after year.

Cons: Too light to play center. He is easily pushed around and doesn't block shots very well. In other words, with LA at center, teams won't hesitate to go inside.

Comment: San Antonio took a lightweight PF (Duncan) and played him at center, surrounded him with smart players and they did pretty darn well. Other teams have tried it and fared poorly. If we can get the right PF, I think it's worth a shot as good centers that can remain injury free are hard to find. In the end, it'll depend more on the team players and coaching than on the mere fact LA is moved to center.

 

[barfo]

I think Quick sort of misled his readers when he said "he revealed some interesting insight into the organization's vision".
It sounds to me like Nate was just lobbying for LMA to get all-star consideration, not describing any sort of lineup plans.

barfo

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I think Quick sort of misled his readers when he said "he revealed some interesting insight into the organization's vision".
It sounds to me like Nate was just lobbying for LMA to get all-star consideration, not describing any sort of lineup plans.

barfo

WHAT??? Jason "Peeping Tom" Quick misleading us????? Say it ain't so, barfo.

 

[Shooter]

Cons: Too light to play center. He is easily pushed around and doesn't block shots very well.

Huh? He had 7 blocks the other night. The guy is probably as good at shot blocking as anybody out there, with the exception of Camby.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Ok, who would the ideal PF next to him be?

 

[MickZagger]

Ok, who would the ideal PF next to him be?

Derrick Favors!

 

[julius]

I think Quick sort of misled his readers when he said "he revealed some interesting insight into the organization's vision".
It sounds to me like Nate was just lobbying for LMA to get all-star consideration, not describing any sort of lineup plans.

barfo

Quick? mislead!? Have you gone mad!? How dare you make such a strong accusation, you better have something to back that up with, bucko!

 

[julius]

WHAT??? Jason "Peeping Tom" Quick misleading us????? Say it ain't so, barfo.

damn you blazer prophet!!!

 

[e_blazer]

Cons: Too light to play center. He is easily pushed around and doesn't block shots very well. In other words, with LA at center, teams won't hesitate to go inside.

Just to point out the obvious, with his work last summer LaMarcus has 5 pounds on Marcus Camby and weighs only 5 pounds less than Joel Przybilla.

 

[e_blazer]

Ok, who would the ideal PF next to him be?

Love wouldn't be bad.

 

[maxiep]

Interesting subject.

Pros: LA seems very rugged, as in impervious to injuries. He moves well. He can score inside or outside and we can stop worrying who our center will be year after year.

Cons: Too light to play center. He is easily pushed around and doesn't block shots very well. In other words, with LA at center, teams won't hesitate to go inside.

Comment: San Antonio took a lightweight PF (Duncan) and played him at center, surrounded him with smart players and they did pretty darn well. Other teams have tried it and fared poorly. If we can get the right PF, I think it's worth a shot as good centers that can remain injury free are hard to find. In the end, it'll depend more on the team players and coaching than on the mere fact LA is moved to center.

What's ironic about your "pros" point is that if you were to look at Roy, Oden or Aldridge coming out of college, you would guess LMA would be the most fragile in terms of health, yet the guy has been a rock.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Love wouldn't be bad.

He'd be my first choice and my second choice would be Derrick Favors.

 

[MickZagger]

He'd be my first choice and my second choice would be Derrick Favors.

Love would be my first choice too. I just don't think he's attainable in trade. I think Kahn wants to avoid dealing with the Blazers. Unless, he's over the whole Martell thing.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Just to point out the obvious, with his work last summer LaMarcus has 5 pounds on Marcus Camby and weighs only 5 pounds less than Joel Przybilla.

Well, he gets pushed around while Joel & Camby don't.

Enough said.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

What's ironic about your "pros" point is that if you were to look at Roy, Oden or Aldridge coming out of college, you would guess LMA would be the most fragile in terms of health, yet the guy has been a rock.

Good point.

 

[illmatic99]

What's ironic about your "pros" point is that if you were to look at Roy, Oden or Aldridge coming out of college, you would guess LMA would be the most fragile in terms of health, yet the guy has been a rock.

 

[Blazer4ever]

Festus Ezeli

 

[Nikolokolus]

Well, he gets pushed around while Joel & Camby don't.

Enough said.

This year? Not really. Centers post a 15.7 PER against him while power forwards post a PER of 15.1
http://www.82games.com/1011/10POR11.HTM

 

[BlazerCaravan]

This year? Not really. Centers post a 15.7 PER against him while power forwards post a PER of 15.1
http://www.82games.com/1011/10POR11.HTM

His PER at C is 23.4?! Yowsers!