View Poll Results: Should Aldridge Start @ 5 Until Joel Returns?

Foulzilla · 11-14-2006, 10:35 AM

It's been one game. Way too early to make a firm decision either way (though if we could see practices that might sway my opinion one way or the other). I fervently hope that he takes the starting spot soon and doesn't give it up for the rest of his Blazer career, but I don't think any changes should occur due to one good game.

wizmentor · 11-14-2006, 10:54 AM

I voted yes, but...
I think it's a matchup thing. I would rather have Mags starting against
centers like Yao and Shaq. We haven't started out games so well
with Mags and Randolph up front (severely understatement here).
So, it makes sense to start LA and having Mags replace Randolph/LA
off the bench.

mediocre man · 11-14-2006, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wizmentor

I voted yes, but...
I think it's a matchup thing. I would rather have Mags starting against
centers like Yao and Shaq. We haven't started out games so well
with Mags and Randolph up front (severely understatement here).
So, it makes sense to start LA and having Mags replace Randolph/LA
off the bench.

I'd love to see Shaq and Yao chase LaMarcus all over the floor.

mook · 11-14-2006, 11:18 AM

for those who say we shouldn't "give" Aldridge the starting spot, why should we "give" Magloire the starting spot instead?

it's not like Magloire has done anything this year to actually earn the job. he basically won it by default when Przybilla went down and with Raef out.

Aldridge had the best 19 minutes of production I've seen this year from the center position (not counting Zach when we go small) in his only 19 minutes of play. it's not much to go on, but it's all we've got.

as for hurting his confidence by playing him against starters, this is not Travis Outlaw or Qyntel Woods we're talking about. after Zach, he looked like the most confident Blazer on the court the other night. based on that and his steady season at Texas, I'm not that worried about destroying his confidence. should the experiment fail after a few games, we give him some milk and cookies and bring him off the bench.

**BBert** · 11-14-2006, 02:39 PM

I like the Aldridge/Zach combo, and Aldridge gave us the best quarter of center play we've had this year (not counting Zach), but I voted not yet. For now (at least a couple of games), put Aldridge on the floor with Zach after the game gets going, then let him play next to Magloire when Zach goes out, and see what he does as a reserve for a couple of games before giving him the start (if he continues to show he deserves it). Sub him early for Magloire; then let him slide over to PF when Magloire subs in to give Zach a breather. You don't have to start a game to get big minutes or have a big impact. Besides, supposedly he hasn't even practiced the offense yet (well, until the last 2 days).

mediocre man · 11-14-2006, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBert

I like the Aldridge/Zach combo, and Aldridge gave us the best quarter of center play we've had this year (not counting Zach), but I voted not yet. For now (at least a couple of games), put Aldridge on the floor with Zach after the game gets going, then let him play next to Magloire when Zach goes out, and see what he does as a reserve for a couple of games before giving him the start (if he continues to show he deserves it). Sub him early for Magloire; then let him slide over to PF when Magloire subs in to give Zach a breather. You don't have to start a game to get big minutes or have a big impact. Besides, supposedly he hasn't even practiced the offense yet (well, until the last 2 days).

Not including Zach, Aldridge gave us the best quarter for a center since Sheed or Sabas.

ABM · 11-14-2006, 03:00 PM

More from Barrett's Blog.....

Quote:

Minnesota has talked about changing the starting lineup, to try and come out with a little more fire. Nate McMillan appears to be considering the same thing for his Blazers. Most likely, we won't see a change for Tuesday's game, but it's possible. If there is a switch, it could perhaps be LaMarcus Aldridge starting at center in place of Jamaal Magloire. Not only would that make the Blazers so much quicker and more athletic on the front line, but it would allow Magloire to come off the bench and play either the four or five spot.

Aldridge showed how quickly he can have an impact on a game on Sunday night against Dallas. He played 19 minutes, and had 10 points and 8 rebounds, including 6 offesive rebounds. He was active, energetic, and with his incredible length, played good defense on Dirk Nowitski. Is he ready to guard Kevin Garnett? We'll likely see on Tuesday. With Aldridge playing, it will also allow Travis Outlaw to play a little more at the small forward position. He's been playing power forward, and doing a good job, but the Blazers would rather have him at the three.....................................