"I was a low-budget version of Rasheed Wallace."

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SlyPokerDog

SlyPokerDog

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“We’ve lost guys, but we have to play that much harder and get that much closer and we can try to get through this storm,’’ said Aldridge. “When I came into the league, I was a low-budget version of Rasheed Wallace. I really relied on my jump shot. Sheed would post up and do jump hooks, but all I had was a jump shot. I really worked on my body and got a lot stronger. I don’t really rely on my jump shot no more. I just go to the basket and get to the line. I’m more of a jump-hook power player. I’ve grown and got so comfortable that I’m playing more of a power game.’’

http://www.boston.com/sports/basket...dridge_blazing_a_trail_for_depleted_portland/
 
and...

“I can keep working, getting better, and keep pushing myself,’’ he said. “As long as God blesses me to stay healthy, I will improve.

“I know this is not the way it was supposed to be, but all we can do is stay together and get through this storm because it will eventually end.

“We have to believe that. And I know we believe that. So we just keep moving forward and hopefully someone will notice us up here in Portland.’’
 
I can't believe the Oregonian missed something. That will never happen again. Quote:

...the bond between McMillan and Aldridge has been cultivated slowly...McMillan’s trust in Aldridge has grown gradually...McMillan said. “[Work ethic] is something we’ve talked about over the past couple of years. His conditioning, when he came to us, was unbelievable and he continued that and then he got away from it. “He realized it last year when he was renegotiating his contract and he didn’t do anything. He didn’t like the way he played. This summer, he got back to working out...’’
 
Aldridge has previously said that last season was a mess for him, because he started unmotivated while his contract was up in the air. The contract was finalized early in the season, but apparently he didn't get back on track mentally.

I've posted before that these guys are mental babies who've never had a job, so to keep Roy motivated, they rushed to give Roy the max contract even though his knee was suspect.
 
jlprk said:
Aldridge has previously said that last season was a mess for him, because he started unmotivated while his contract was up in the air. The contract was finalized early in the season, but apparently he didn't get back on track mentally.

I've posted before that these guys are mental babies who've never had a job, so to keep Roy motivated, they rushed to give Roy the max contract even though his knee was suspect.
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Overall, I'm very pleased with LA. He's worked hard and retooled his game.

As to Roy, I don't really think the team "rushed", but I do think they were short sighted. They knew he had iffy knees and I think the contract they gave him was very poor business from Vulcan.
 
It's interesting to note the transformation LA has made physically and mentally. Not only was he mostly a perimeter "stretch 4", but he seemed timid and would disappear late in games. So many times he'd have around 12 points in the 1st quarter and end up with 19 for the game. Now he's beasting it in the blocks and taking all of the big shots in the 4th quarter. I'm so proud of the guy for what he's done this season. Honestly, I didn't think he had it in him - the will to be great, and the leadership to put the team on his back.

It also makes me think of RW. 'Sheed had even more tools than LA, and he played hard. But he never dedicated himself to conditioning or working on his low post game. I remember Kerry Eggers reporting that 'Sheed had a running $50,000/month fine for not participating in mandatory weight lifting sessions. He was a good player that could have been an HOFer.
 
I really couldn't be more pleased with the play of Aldridge. I figured he'd never be more than a 2nd or 3rd option on offense. He had loads of talent, but he seemed to lack the mental toughness. Well, he's starting to prove me wrong. If he can continue to get better and build on his game, he could really be one of the top, if not the top, power forwards in the game. He has that ceiling.
 
jlprk said:
I've posted before that these guys are mental babies who've never had a job, so to keep Roy motivated, they rushed to give Roy the max contract even though his knee was suspect.
Click to expand...

That is such a bullshit perspective on these guys, you do realize that basically the only thing that allows a guy to get to the NBA is the work they put into developing their talent. I don't think bagging some groceries or working at McDonalds while they were in high school would have prepared them for that moment when they have to get what is often their only big payday. Besides that when are these guys supposed to have a job? When you are as talented as these guys are, you play year round non-stop. Once in college they actually have a shit ton more to do than the average student as well. FYI I believe that Brandon did work while going to school.
 
Sug said:
That is such a bullshit perspective on these guys, you do realize that basically the only thing that allows a guy to get to the NBA is the work they put into developing their talent. I don't think bagging some groceries or working at McDonalds while they were in high school would have prepared them for that moment when they have to get what is often their only big payday. Besides that when are these guys supposed to have a job? When you are as talented as these guys are, you play year round non-stop. Once in college they actually have a shit ton more to do than the average student as well. FYI I believe that Brandon did work while going to school.
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I don't know. From my experience, a lot of these guys have no real grasp on reality. Everything is handled for them. Their finances, buying a home, getting to practice... I remember when Travis Outlaw first came in the league, the Blazers had someone pretty much take him anywhere he needed to go. If there was a promotional event, they would take him. If he needed to be to practice, they would take him. The guy only had an allowance from his parents because they didn't want him to blow all his money.

I remember back when Zach was still here, there was some drama over him writing a bad check to the Portland Parks and Recreation department. It wasn't his fault, he honestly had no idea how much money was in his account. He didn't handle that stuff. They told him to write a check so he did. They really are treated like children, and in some cases they don't even determine their future. I was told by a source in the Blazers that Miles never really cared much about basketball. It was his mom that really pushed him to play and to make it to the NBA.

Obviously Miles and Outlaw do not represent everyone in the league, not by a long shot, but it is a true description of the mental makeup of some of the players. They don't deal with a lot of everyday problems that we have.
 
Natebishop3 said:
I don't know. From my experience, a lot of these guys have no real grasp on reality. Everything is handled for them. Their finances, buying a home, getting to practice... I remember when Travis Outlaw first came in the league, the Blazers had someone pretty much take him anywhere he needed to go. If there was a promotional event, they would take him. If he needed to be to practice, they would take him. The guy only had an allowance from his parents because they didn't want him to blow all his money.

I remember back when Zach was still here, there was some drama over him writing a bad check to the Portland Parks and Recreation department. It wasn't his fault, he honestly had no idea how much money was in his account. He didn't handle that stuff. They told him to write a check so he did. They really are treated like children, and in some cases they don't even determine their future. I was told by a source in the Blazers that Miles never really cared much about basketball. It was his mom that really pushed him to play and to make it to the NBA.

Obviously Miles and Outlaw do not represent everyone in the league, not by a long shot, but it is a true description of the mental makeup of some of the players. They don't deal with a lot of everyday problems that we have.
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I think there's more truth in what you say than you may realize. It's one reason why so many athletes end up broke after long and lucrative careers.
 
Natebishop3 said:
I don't know. From my experience, a lot of these guys have no real grasp on reality. Everything is handled for them. Their finances, buying a home, getting to practice... I remember when Travis Outlaw first came in the league, the Blazers had someone pretty much take him anywhere he needed to go. If there was a promotional event, they would take him. If he needed to be to practice, they would take him. The guy only had an allowance from his parents because they didn't want him to blow all his money.

I remember back when Zach was still here, there was some drama over him writing a bad check to the Portland Parks and Recreation department. It wasn't his fault, he honestly had no idea how much money was in his account. He didn't handle that stuff. They told him to write a check so he did. They really are treated like children, and in some cases they don't even determine their future. I was told by a source in the Blazers that Miles never really cared much about basketball. It was his mom that really pushed him to play and to make it to the NBA.

Obviously Miles and Outlaw do not represent everyone in the league, not by a long shot, but it is a true description of the mental makeup of some of the players. They don't deal with a lot of everyday problems that we have.
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I would argue it is the other way around, most people have no idea what it's like to be a multi-millionaire NBA basketball player. Their reality is totally different, kinda like PA lives a life very few will ever understand.
 
Sug said:
I would argue it is the other way around, most people have no idea what it's like to be a multi-millionaire NBA basketball player. Their reality is totally different, kinda like PA lives a life very few will ever understand.
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It's different in some ways, very much the same in others. Travis Outlaw spent his nights pretty much like any 19 or 20 year old when I knew him. Playing PS2, watching movies, and listening to music. His apartment looked no different than any other kid that age. Clothes everywhere, stereo on the floor, dishes not done. So you're right that their reality can be very different, but not totally different.
 
LaMarcus was refreshing when the Blazers had him in for his workout, and he's refreshing now. I'll take LaMarcus' leadership over Roy's: "I'm the best player on the team therefore I am the de facto leader and, by the way, this is my team and my ball" "leadership" any day.
 
BBert said:
LaMarcus was refreshing when the Blazers had him in for his workout, and he's refreshing now. I'll take LaMarcus' leadership over Roy's: "I'm the best player on the team therefore I am the de facto leader and, by the way, this is my team and my ball" "leadership" any day.
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No doubt. At this point, I'm not sure if Roy contains more prima or donna in his blood. At any rate, it's proven to be a bad mix. Meanwhile, to borrow an overused phrase, I just love the way the Aldridge has been keeping it real. He's gaining leadership qualities the Smith Barney way.
 
Post #3: McMillan's negative comments on Aldridge's middle years (after his rookie year and before this year).

Post #4: My comment about Post # 3.

Subsequent posts: Mostly comments on my Post #4.

How about posting about Post #3, which is what matters (or Sly's Post #1). My Post #4 was just an afterthought.
 
jlprk said:
Post #3: McMillan's negative comments on Aldridge's middle years (after his rookie year and before this year).

Post #4: My comment about Post # 3.

Subsequent posts: Mostly comments on my Post #4.

How about posting about Post #3, which is what matters (or Sly's Post #1). My Post #4 was just an afterthought.
Click to expand...

Interestingly, Sheed wasn't into off-season working out, either. Glad LMA took the high road on this one.
 
Sheed had defined muscles, so he must have been doing something. I don't know anything about it, though. Anyway, McMillan basically says that Aldridge sluffed off in his middle years. Canzano could start a 6 month-campaign against Aldridge. He won't because he'd have to link to the Boston paper, which the Oregonian should have beaten to the story.
 
christine_witch.jpg
 
This is actually a catchy little song.
[video=youtube;44mqiBrB0zI]
 
Sug said:
I would argue it is the other way around, most people have no idea what it's like to be a multi-millionaire NBA basketball player. Their reality is totally different, kinda like PA lives a life very few will ever understand.
Click to expand...

PA's life is pretty obvious.

He's a hoarder.
 
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