The list of players you would trade LaMarcus for?

[Agenda42]

In order of definite

Tyreke Evans

Definitely not. The Kings have a pretty good supporting cast (Landry, Dalembert, Cousins, Udrih, etc) and only 12 wins. Evans isn't an efficient player - he gets his stats, but he uses up way too many possessions to get them.

[Wizenheimer]

I'm not going to spend more time arguing this kind of strange point. I'm convinced, that while Griffin might be the more talented player, the Blazers would be a worse team this season with him instead of Aldridge.

I'm convinced of this too, but I'd still trade Aldridge for Griffin.

I probably would too, even though I think Griffin is way over-hyped right now

however, if Aldridge maintains his current level of low post play through the end of the season, I'd have some serious 2nd thoughts about that trade. I happen to think a dominant low-post player is extremely valuable

on the other hand, if I was the Blazer business manager, there's no doubt that griffin can sell more tickets

[Malapropism]

Griffin might get about the same amount of easy points that Aldridge gets, but that's not the issue

Aldridge has been getting Portland's difficult points, and that's something Griffin can't do at this stage of his career. He may get there but he isn't there yet. Aldridge can get those points because he's developed a decent repertoire of low post moves to go along with his height.

I'll concede that Aldridge is better at getting his own shot, but I'm convinced a lot of that has to do with the system the Clippers are playing. Put Griffin on the Blazers, and I feel he'd have a similar impact when the Blazers need points. Griffins got a decent midrange shot, and is better at facing up and taking the ball to the basket than Aldridge. I believe those skills will translate if he switched teams.

I'd also like to note that Griffin is scoring more, and with better efficiency, while only having a 2% greater usage rate.

if it wasn't hard to stop Aldridge, teams wouldn't be allowing him to average 25 points.

They're not, he's averaging 21 points.

it's not excuses at all, it's simply stating a fact.

Both of those games in Denver were the 2nd of a back to back. And Aldridge has been averaging the 2nd highest minutes in the NBA. Going into that elevation and playing again in less then 24 hours is the most difficult 2nd game in the NBA.

Excuses. Aldridge averages 18 and 8 with 0+ days rest. Griffin averages 21 and 13. He's just got a better motor than Aldridge. That's no knock on Aldridge, that's just how good Griffin is.

Your criticisms of his defensive rebounding have some validity, but discounting Blazer defensive schemes as a significant reason for the defensive rebounding 'issue' has little validity. When the Blazers lead the league in offensive rebounding rate but are 22nd in defensive rebounding rate, there's a definite structural issue with their positioning on the defensive glass

No, I call bull. Rebounding is mainly an effort stat, and it's clear from the games that most of the players don't give a lot of effort boxing out and grabbing defensive rebounds, Aldridge included. Marcus Camby is posting a league leading drb% and also the highest of his career. There's no "scheming" issues when Camby switches on picks almost as much as Aldridge. He just goes after rebounds because that's what he does. It looks like the rest of the team is so used to Camby grabbing rebounds that they get lazy even when Camby is out. We would never have that problem with Griffin.

and there's no reason to believe that would be any different it it was Griffin splitting time at PF and C when Camby was out. As a matter of fact, there's plenty of reason to believe Portland would be worse off if Griffin was forced to split time at C like Aldridge has been

There are few centers in the league that can take advantage of Griffin's height at center. Is it ideal for him to be playing there? No, of course not, but it's not something I would worry about on a nightly basis.

the problem comes when the increase in a team strength is more then offset by losses in other phases of the game while also magnifying weaknesses

I don't believe that we're losing as much as you think we are, so we're not going to agree here.

maybe you think I'm advocating the Aldridge is better then Griffin. I'm not. All I'm saying is that the Blazers are the type of team this season that are better with Aldridge's low post game then they would be with Griffin's highlight reel game.

No, but I thought you were done arguing this "strange point".

[Malapropism]

I was posting regarding the Duncan part of the statement and them using Blair and McDyess instead of Duncan on LaMarcus.

You're missing the point. The Spurs didn't gameplan Duncan on Aldridge. Any time Duncan guarded Aldridge was purely situational or because of switches. Pop has been known to take weird chances coaching, and that game was one where I really questioned his defensive scheme on Aldridge, especially since they started switching guards on Aldridge and not doubling him even though he was absolutely burning them offensively.

[Wizenheimer]

No, I call bull. Rebounding is mainly an effort stat, and it's clear from the games....

you keep saying your observations are "clear", and now label some of mine "bull" ....you're certainly strutting your internet cred...congrats

No, but I thought you were done arguing this "strange point".

am now

[Village Idiot]

I was posting regarding the Duncan part of the statement and them using Blair and McDyess instead of Duncan on LaMarcus.

You're missing the point. The Spurs didn't gameplan Duncan on Aldridge. Any time Duncan guarded Aldridge was purely situational or because of switches. Pop has been known to take weird chances coaching, and that game was one where I really questioned his defensive scheme on Aldridge, especially since they started switching guards on Aldridge and not doubling him even though he was absolutely burning them offensively.

I went back and rewatched the first quarter of the game. Initially Blair was on LA. At the 8:30 mark Duncan took him. Next possession Blair. Then Duncan. Then zones and finally mostly Duncan. LA was torching primarily Duncan in that quarter. Who knows what Popps was thinking when he starting switching Hill and Parker on LA. I agree that not doubling was weird. In a playoff series they'd be much better prepared.

[Malapropism]

you keep saying your observations are "clear", and now label some of mine "bull" ....you're certainly strutting your internet cred...congrats

Thanks.

am now

Gratz.

[oldfishermen]

Lots of very good little guys.. Not very many healthy 6’11” players can do what LMA does. I would not trade LMA for any guard.. The trade would need to be for at least a SF.. When you consider everything LMA brings to this team, both on and off of the floor, here is my list..

LeBron J. $14,500,000
Dwight H. $16,647,180
Kevin D. $6,053,663

LMA $11,244,000. None of salaries work for a straight up trade, what do you do now? As an all-star caliber player that was eligible for a max contract, LMA's contract is a bargain.. When you consider size, talent and contracts, LMA is not going anywhere..

[fishnc]

Kevin Love

[puny]

David West. Or would that be redundant /ducks

[Jack wore plaid]

Rapist
Griffin
Deron Williams
Rose
Paul
Amare
Brook Lopez
Anthony
Lebron'
Durant
Howard
Maybe Al Horford
Maybe Rondo