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Hickson and Aldridge
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  1. postedbailblazers
    postedbailblazers
    Posts: 165

    Posted 10/23/2012 10:56 AM

    After watching the shallacking we put on the Utah basketball Jazz last night, I was left with a couple of thoughts going through my head.  First was how amazing it was that we did this without LMA against a squad that has had an impressive preseason and was pretty much full strength.  Next was how well JJ Hickson performed.  It was reminiscent of his performances at the end of last season.  I then realized that we almost never see Hickson having these kind of nights when Aldridge plays.  Can anyone else remember Hickson having this good of a night on a night that Aldridge was on the floor as well?  I understand some of the obvious reasons for this, but is there a way to have our cake and eat it too?  They seem to occupy different space on the floor.  IF...we could get both Hickson and Aldridge doing their things together, this could be a nightmare for other teams.  Anyone else thinking about this?
    I am a fan of rhubarb pie.
  1. mbmurr1
    mbmurr1
    Posts: 530

    Posted 10/23/2012 3:00 PM

    LMA needs to play center for this to happen, rather then Hickson playing center. Because JJ is a POWER forward and LMA is more of a finesse player who brings defenders (center) out of the paint which opens things up for JJ on the inside. I wish LMA was more of a POWER forward in the traditional sense of always driving to the hoop. If this were true JJ could be the back up at power forward and split time with LMA.
    I am a fan of
  1. mbmurr1
    mbmurr1
    Posts: 530

    Posted 10/23/2012 3:02 PM

    If LMA defends the center position he can run on offense more and I think this helps the team more then him playing the 4 spot.
    I am a fan of
  1. postedbailblazers
    postedbailblazers
    Posts: 165

    Posted 10/23/2012 7:46 PM

    LMA has vehemently opposed any thought of him playing or defending at the 5.  There was an interview on this recently.  I get what you're saying and it makes sense.  His point was that he gets taxed by defending larger opponents and can't pull off his magic on the other end of the floor.  It is a line he has drawn and I don't think he will consider crossing it. 

    DHawes mentioned on the Utah game thread that it was time for the Blazers to start Freeland and have JJ come off the bench behind Aldridge as it appears they are less effective together.  That sounds pretty good too.  He could be a candidate for sixth man oty if they did this.  If he plated like he did against Utah as a back up?  He would give 2nd squads fits night in and night out.  He would have to embrace that role though and I'm not sure that isn't part of the problem.  He seems to only play amazing when he starts.

    It was officially announced today that JJ will be starting at 5 opening night;  so I guess we will find out soon enough the answers to some of these questions.
    I am a fan of rhubarb pie.
  1. D_pickett
    D_pickett
    Posts: 608

    Posted 10/23/2012 9:38 PM

    I don't think that LaMarcus and JJ are a bad fit on the floor together, but I think JJ is forgotten as an offensive option when LaMarcus is on the floor. I still see the same effort from him on the defensive end no matter what, but he never gets the ball when LA is out there. Maybe the Jazz game will make his teammates realize they can give him the ball on the block, throw him lobs, and even pass when he spots up from 15 feet.
    I am a fan of
  1. postedbailblazers
    postedbailblazers
    Posts: 165

    Posted 10/23/2012 10:05 PM

    It seems like it could be effective; but also that maybe some adjustments need to happen or some chemistry needs to develop.
    I am a fan of rhubarb pie.
  1. schwabbii
    schwabbii
    Posts: 178

    Posted 10/23/2012 10:51 PM

    Wait, Lamarcus actually plays defense?
    I am a fan of
  1. commontongue
    commontongue
    Posts: 1436

    Posted 10/24/2012 8:56 AM

    The only way this happens is if Leonard starts alongside L.A.. Hickson and Freeland are bangers that feed off of eachother pretty well from what i saw. When Freeland shakes the jitters he is going to be a stud.
    I am a fan of Rip City Basketball
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