The Truth about Aldridge

[BGrantFan]

I'm still amazed by Aldridge's game today. Incorporating the baseline spin on an off day was incredible. That's "The Truth"!

 

[BGrantFan]

I think the entire premise of this thread - that we now know that Aldridge can't be a good #2 option because he was had trouble in this playoff series as a #1 option is flawed.

The test of a #2 option isn't how they perform as a #1 option. It's expected that the player won't be as good as a bona fide #1 option. That's to be expected.

That being said, I was disappointed with what we saw out of Aldridge in Games 2 and 3, but was really impressed with how he stepped up in Game 4.

Now, in Game 5, with Roy back, this will be the real test of how Aldridge is as a #2 option. Games on the line, the superstar is in the game, but you've got to play a big role to get a win.

I agree, this thread has been a FAIL since it was written, for many reasons posted in it. That said, OP should be here to give Aldridge some props, IMO. If you're going to start a thread like this and call yourself a fan, you should also man up when the object of your derision plays his ass off in a huge game.

 

[BGrantFan]

What that tells me is that he is either (a) generally unmotivated, or (b) ridiculously inconsistent.

He's scored 17 points or more in 3 out of 4 games. He averaged 18 for the year.

 

[BGrantFan]

"The Truth" about Aldridge is that he showed up huge in the biggest game of the year. "The Other Truth" is that OP hasn't shown his face on the board since starting this stupid thread.

 

[oldmangrouch]

OK, as a huge fan turned critic, I will gladly admit that LMA had a great game.

 

[Wheels]

I have been down on LMA some lately but I give my props. Hell of a game by LMA.. I looked up at the start of the 3rd and told my wife "Now just dont fade LMA" and he did even better than the 1st half. Good work!

 

[KingSpeed]

LMA "stepped up" because Roy was on the floor.

 

[STOMP]

Now, in Game 5, with Roy back, this will be the real test of how Aldridge is as a #2 option. Games on the line, the superstar is in the game, but you've got to play a big role to get a win.

that wasn't the BR I'm used to seeing... much slower. While it will be useful to have another heady ballhandler who can hit a jumper on the floor, I didn't see him as anything close to being the #1 option. Thats probably LA for the rest of the playoffs

Did anyone catch the postgame comments by Brandon about his knee right after the game? The question went something along the lines of "it must not have been that bad of a tear"... to which he answered that "Actually the Docs told me it was a really bad tear. But it felt really good every day afterwords in the hospital, and as good it seemed I felt I needed to be on the court helping my teammates with what I could contribute"

that comment took a little shine off the win for me as I really hope he isn't risking his future for the short term. A "really bad tear" doesn't sound like he's going to be bouncing around at an All Star level any time soon either and that the plodding Roy we saw on Saturday is what we'll see the remainder of these playoffs. While it's remarkable/inspiring that he came back so quick and of course I loved the win over those whiny bitches, I also remain pretty concerned about BR

STOMP

 

[oldmangrouch]

As much fun as it would be to win this series, it wouldn't be worth it if Roy or Batum seriously re-injured themselves. I am keeping my fingers, toes, and eyes crossed!

 

[Draco]

Interesting note in Quick's article:

According to Elias Sports Bureau, Aldridge's Game 4 performance of 31 points and 11 rebounds on 11-of-19 shooting made him the first in Blazers playoff history to have at least 30 points, 10 rebounds and shoot 50 percent from the field since Kevin Duckworth in Game 4 at Utah in the 1991 conference semifinals.

 

[jlprk]

Interesting note in Quick's article:

It didn't seem unusual to me, so I checked. That's correct for the playoffs.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/tiny.cgi?id=L9ONS

In the regular season, Blazers have done it 41 times since Duckworth, including Camby's game 2 weeks ago. Aldridge did it this season, Miles was pretty good before he got injured, and even Outlaw did it!
http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/tiny.cgi?id=KkTr2

 

[THE HCP]

Interesting note in Quick's article:

WOW!

 

[BGrantFan]

Anyone who thinks that Aldridge is Rasheed Wallace is crazy. Sheed put up some GREAT numbers in the playoffs.

I think it's worth pointing out this post again. The stats do not at all line up with this poster's opinion.