Post by zeropointzero on Sept 23, 2010 0:30:37 GMT -5
LaMarcus Aldridge
Age: 20
Height: 6’11’’
Weight: 234
Position: PF
Inside = B: Aldridge sets up shop on the baseline anywhere out to 15 feet, catches the ball, spins to either shoulder, squares them simultaneously, elevates gracefully with one hand underneath the ball and flicks his wrist at the height of his leap with a soft touch. All in one quick, fluid motion. The second go to move would be his turnaround jump-shot. When he doesn’t have the strength or will to back his man all the way to the basket, Aldridge can catch the ball, spin and fade away quickly, elevate straight up off the ground and get high enough to give him all the time in the world needed to knock down his shot with deadly accuracy. Both of these moves are simple and fundamental, but Aldridge executes them perfectly and has the perfect physical characteristics to make them nearly unblockable.
Outside = C: Since Aldridge appears to be used to playing with guards who often have absolutely no idea how to get him the ball in the paint, he is able to step outside and do some damage from there as well. He has a beautiful jump-shot with range out to about 18 feet, but has looked to rely less on this part of his game over the past few years, which is certainly a good from a player his size. With that said, having the ability to punish his man with a jump-shot makes him that much more versatile and dangerous.
Handling = C: Being a player who runs the floor like a deer and often beats guards down the floor with his huge strides, he is obviously a lethal finisher in transition. But he is also skilled and smart enough to not be a liability with the ball in his hands here, and can even do some ball-handling of his own, either to finish smoothly himself or find the open man.
Defense = C+: Defensively, Aldridge has extremely quick feet and the coordination and reflexes to react to most situations. His length, leaping ability and mind usually do the rest at the college level, blocking a decent amount of shots and altering countless others. The biggest knock on his defensive game is his lack of aggression and effort.
Rebounding = B-: In terms of rebounding, the same can be said. He has the physical gifts needed to simply outquick and outleap rivals in and out of the paint, but the tenacity and effort aren’t what you wanna see with someone with his natural ability.
Potential = A: With his physical characteristics, versatile offensive game, talent and intangibles, Aldridge is everything a GM could want in a young big man. Almost everything he does screams of upside. He has the potential to be a star and will be drafted in a position that is appropriate to that. Barring an injury or an absolute collapse in the NCAA tournament, he looks like a lock to be drafted in the top 5.
