I don't know where you get this perimeter-oriented stuff from. It's true he has range and likes to use it, but he also has a nasty post-up game and he can drive to the basket easy as well. How many skyscrapers do you know who can do that? Outside of Rasheed Wallace in his earlier days, I can't really think of any. He and Tyreke can be a nasty pick-and-roll combo too, kind of like he already does with Brandon Roy.
Aldridge is a perimeter based power forward in the Portland offense. Look at the numbers:
Shot selection:Jumpshots: 66%
Inside: 34%
He is averaging 8.4 points on jumpshots. And 6.5 points on total inside shots. Well, Aldridge has a very effective post game. (.623% eFG%). Portland likes to run variations of pick and pops with Aldridge and Outlaw. (Plus hi-low action/PnR with Oden and Aldridge as well) Roy was the primary ball handler when setting up these two guys in pick and pops scenarios. The Portland offense consists of very good spacing on the court, proper execution and good passing in general. The Blazers are a jumpshooting team in general though. (66% of the Portland offense was generated by jumpshots). But I would like to think that they will be more post orientated with a healthy Oden back on the court.
I think you're sleeping on him a little bit or your opinion of Thompson is just a tick too high.
No, I think I got Aldridge right in my opinion. He plays more of a perimeter game due to his effectiveness in the Portland offense. (Even though, he has a very good i.e legitimate post game). And Thompson, I don't usually overrate him to be honest. I like him as a player. I think he can be a very good starter at his peak. Probably borderline all star if he figures out how to play both sides of the ball at a high level.
