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Return to blog listing -> Lowe: Aldridge's Post Efficiency Improved Dramatically in 2011-12
caseyholdahl

Aug 16

Lowe: Aldridge's Post Efficiency Improved Dramatically in 2011-12

By caseyholdahl Posted in: LaMarcusAldridge

The knock on LaMarcus Aldridge has always been that, while he's a talented big man, he doesn't spend enough time in the post. Aldridge has proven to be an highly effective offensive weapon, though some have argued that, for Portland to be successful, Aldridge has to get more of his points in the paint.

Which is why it's good news that Aldridge, according to Zach Lowe of SI.com, improved his post-up scoring efficiency dramatically during the 2011-12 season:
Trail Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge made a giant leap in post-up efficiency last season, climbing from No. 39 (out of 73) in points per possession in 2010-11 to No. 7. Aldridge managed that based almost entirely on a higher shooting percentage, which is both encouraging and worrisome. He shot a spectacular 49 percent from the post last season, up from a run-of-the-mill 41 percent in 2010-11. That’s encouraging because 49 is bigger than 41 (analysis!) and could reflect his work in getting closer to the rim. It’s worrisome because Aldridge actually earned fewer foul shots on his post-up plays last season. Which trend is most sustainable?
Let's hope it's the former. Aldridge is probably never going to be your Karl Malone-esque banger, but that doesn't mean he can't get a great post player, especially in today's NBA.

3 Comments

  1. Casey: Just going to work down low is good; LMA is not a banger, so we use him at his best high post face up or back to the basket, he said he was going to work hard on his dribble drive this summer and become a better passer out of the post. That will probably mean less fouls, but if he can shoot 49% that should be satisfactory.

    Now that we have Leonard, JJ, Joel Freeland and that other dude, he should be able to improve his game both in pick and pop, or roll and High post and low post.

    by Hg on 8/16/2012 2:48 PM

  2. From last season, I'd have to say LA could improve in two major areas...rebounding and second chance pts. Like to see him hire Hakeem to work on his post game as well. I'm excited about the rebounding we have recently added to the team with the rookies. One thing that made Chauncey Billups and Jason Kidd great was their rebounding stats...guys who followed the ball and never gave up on a play. My favorite quote..forgot who said it but it was basically..."If you want more touches, go get the ball!"

    by riverman on 8/17/2012 12:49 PM

  3. One thing that truly stands out with LaMarcus is that he has a high hoops IQ...he's genuinly a student of the game and those guys just keep getting better. I think there are a lot of those guys on this roster and also think our staff is loaded with great teachers of the game.

    by riverman on 8/17/2012 9:33 PM
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