LMA Appreciation Thread

[SheedSoNasty]

I know that LaMarcus has had his ups and downs when it comes to appreciation from the fans. He's got to be one of the least talked about Blazers and yet he's one our most productive members. Sure, he doesn't put up the rebounding numbers of a Kevin Garnett or even a Carlos Boozer and he doesn't bang down low for points, but he's been one our consistent forces throughout the years.

While guys like Roy, Przybilla and Oden take the spotlight due to their injuries and guys like Rudy complain about not fitting in... and guys like Cho, Pritchard and Durant take up the rest of the fans' attention, LaMarcus has been there as a strong component to this team.

While he may have his shortcomings, I'm just thankful that he's been a guy that we can at least count on suiting up and averaging very respectable numbers. I've often seen him as an afterthought but haven't really taken the time to acknowledge him as a player. This is a time when we'll really need him to come through for us on both ends of the floor and I have high hopes that he can deliver. He may not be the super stud Karl Malone type power forward that everyone wishes he we had, but he's a damn good basketball player that has managed to stay on the court and out of trouble.

With all that the team's been through over the last decade, I'll take these simple joys and run with them. Now's your time, LaMarcus.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I whole heartedly agree. LA is a good soldier, rarely complains and I can never fault his effort.

 

[Blazer4ever]

Trade him.

 

[Blazer4ever]

No, you know what, keep him. And bring Anthony Randolph as his backup. He doesn't have a good enough backup!

 

[Nikolokolus]

I like his defense more this year. Much more active challenging shots, he appears to be doing a somewhat better job of guarding the post and he's getting to the foul line a bit more. I think the idea that he's ever going to be a star is over, but he's still getting a little bit better and that's good to see.

 

[Natebishop3]

I like his defense more this year. Much more active challenging shots, he appears to be doing a somewhat better job of guarding the post and he's getting to the foul line a bit more. I think the idea that he's ever going to be a star is over, but he's still getting a little bit better and that's good to see.

I support this post.

 

[Hey]

He's going to be an all star at least once.

 

[MIXUM]

millsap over LA

however if LA carries us to a win tonight.... maybe i will change that thought

 

[maxiep]

I think Aldridge has realized he's a bad motherfu--shut yo' mouth--I'm just talkin' 'bout LA!

 

[bluefrog]

My favorite Blazer

 

[KingSpeed]

LaMarcus is so underappreciated and so underrated. I'm very glad he's on our team and would not want him traded.

How many people average at least 18/8? Can't be that long of a list.

 

[STOMP]

Kingspeed avatar...

Andre looks like he should be on a very special episode of Sanford Meets Bastard Son

STOMP

 

[Minstrel]

In the wake of the travails suffered by Roy and Oden, we should appreciate Aldridge's ability to go to work night in and night out. He's almost certainly never going to be a major star and might not even be an All-Star in his career, but he's a very good player who never misses games and that has a ton of value.

 

[santeesioux]

Don't forget we got him for Tyrus Thomas, what a disaster that would have been!

 

[Public Defender]

With Roy's gimpy knees, LaMarcus Aldridge may prove to be the best player out of the 2006 draft.

He'd have to keep improving to overcome his best competition, which at this point look to be Rudy Gay and Rajon Rondo.

It wasn't a great draft class, but Aldridge is developing into a solid, even above average, power forward in the NBA. He's saving the Blazers' bacon during this stretch, and ought to get a lot more recognition for it.

 

[Minstrel]

With Roy's gimpy knees, LaMarcus Aldridge may prove to be the best player out of the 2006 draft.

He'd have to keep improving to overcome his best competition, which at this point look to be Rudy Gay and Rajon Rondo.

I think that if Roy's career flames out, Rondo is pretty clearly the best player from that draft. Aldridge would have to become much better to change that, and as he gets closer and closer to his athletic prime, that seems fairly unlikely.

 

[HailBlazers]

Soldier indeed. The best thing about LMA other than his durability/consistency is that he can only get better, hasn't reached his ceiling.

 

[STOMP]

I think that if Roy's career flames out, Rondo is pretty clearly the best player from that draft. Aldridge would have to become much better to change that, and as he gets closer and closer to his athletic prime, that seems fairly unlikely.

Maybe he could turn out to be the 2nd best player from that draft? With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight I'd say thats not bad for the 2nd pick

STOMP

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

18 PPG 8 RPG

Way to look ....EXACTLY the same as you have the past four seasons.

 

[midnight_show]

Loving Aldridge at the moment.

LOVING. He has been so good this year, should earn himself a bench spot in the all star game.

 

[Minstrel]

Maybe he could turn out to be the 2nd best player from that draft? With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight I'd say thats not bad for the 2nd pick

Yeah, I think Aldridge was a very good pick, especially when you consider how weak the draft was overall. Aldridge is the player I'd most want after healthy Roy and Rondo. I prefer Aldridge to Gay (and I was a big proponent of Gay at the time of the draft).

 

[Minstrel]

18 PPG 8 RPG

Way to look ....EXACTLY the same as you have the past four seasons.

Productive is productive, even if it's the same production he always gave Portland. Sure, it would be nice if he had taken the step into stardom, but an 18/8 power forward with solid defense and defensive versatility is still a very nice player.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

I agree but with Brandon Roy out and likely never to be that superstar go-to-guy I would hope LMA would elevate his play and put up 20-24 PPG range. If this team is going to do anything LMA has to step up and play a much bigger role.

 

[Minstrel]

I agree but with Brandon Roy out and likely never to be that superstar go-to-guy I would hope LMA would elevate his play and put up 20-24 PPG range. If this team is going to do anything LMA has to step up and play a much bigger role.

So you're saying that with Roy out, you would like Aldridge to become more talented? I mean, how is Aldridge to suddenly become a better player? Nothing suggests that he's lazy, so I don't think he can simply try harder. This is how good he is...players can't elevate their ability at will, or else they would all do that.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

I agree but with Brandon Roy out and likely never to be that superstar go-to-guy I would hope LMA would elevate his play and put up 20-24 PPG range. If this team is going to do anything LMA has to step up and play a much bigger role.

Last season, between 1-20-10 and 2-16-10, when Roy was out for 12 full games and half of two more on either end, LMA averaged 20.9 points per game and 8.6 rebounds per game. So he has shown exactly what you would hope already.

 

[STOMP]

So you're saying that with Roy out, you would like Aldridge to become more talented? I mean, how is Aldridge to suddenly become a better player? Nothing suggests that he's lazy, so I don't think he can simply try harder. This is how good he is...players can't elevate their ability at will, or else they would all do that.

if Roy is gone then he's the de facto #1 option right? He probably puts up bigger numbers in scoring because he's got more opportunities to jack it up. But LA can't seem to gain separation at will for his shot so his shooting percentage probably goes down... right? That would be my guess... if it stays the same (let alone goes up) compared to his career average, thats actually pretty good.

Early on in last season it was reported that LA had badly sprained both ankles. While he played through this because of injuries to the rest of the squad, his explosiveness seemed to suffer as per minute his blocks and steal rates went way down... nice to see them back up to the level that reflect a long disruptive PF on D. I really like Portland's front line these days. Having 3 long active defenders there really has a synergistic effect in shutting down the paint

STOMP

 

[Minstrel]

if Roy is gone then he's the de facto #1 option right? He probably puts up bigger numbers in scoring because he's got more opportunities to jack it up. But LA can't seem to gain separation at will for his shot so his shooting percentage probably goes down... right? That would be my guess... if it stays the same (let alone goes up) compared to his career average, thats actually pretty good.

If he can maintain his scoring efficiency while shooting more, that means he's better than he was. He has had opportunities before with Roy out to assume more of the scoring load. I think most players (who aren't selfish chuckers) tend to gravitate to about the number of shots that optimize their ability. More shots, and their efficiency would suffer. Fewer and they'd be underutilized. I'm sure there are exceptions, but I think most players achieve that balance...if they could score more with good efficiency, they'd take more shots.

So I'd be surprised if Aldridge began taking more shots without a hit to his scoring efficiency. If he can, though, that would be great.

 

[STOMP]

If he can maintain his scoring efficiency while shooting more, that means he's better than he was. He has had opportunities before with Roy out to assume more of the scoring load. I think most players (who aren't selfish chuckers) tend to gravitate to about the number of shots that optimize their ability. More shots, and their efficiency would suffer. Fewer and they'd be underutilized. I'm sure there are exceptions, but I think most players achieve that balance...if they could score more with good efficiency, they'd take more shots.

I'm 43 now and still play pick up and league regularly. I've always been a scorer and am usually the leading scorer. It's easier to do my thing when I'm expected to go/shooting without any conscious is my specialty I might lose in horse but I could count my loses in 21 on my fingers (okay, toes may need to be involved)

sharing the stage can be harder. I don't know this to be true of LA, but I've observed this of many other scorers... something to monitor

STOMP

 

[SheedSoNasty]

LaBump.

Man's been on a tear lately. Here's hoping that he keeps it up and assumes the role of face of the franchise.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Maybe LMA has finally found a comfort zone on the block? He doesn't look confused like he used to and he's finally converting a high rate which is nice to see