Mar 04

In a world full of compound words, it doesn't seem to hurt to add another one: LaDomination. Here's the official 3Bloggle Definition: a major shift in the balance of power in the west. Yeah, you heard it here. Somewhere in his cabana under the intense San Antonio sun, Tim Duncan is feeling a disturbance in the transdimensional realm of the low post. Evidently the Head Coaches of the NBA are also getting something, because as of late, LaMarcus Aldridge has seen twice as many defenders as your average player. I first found out that Aldridge had been named player of the month from NBA TV's Kyle Montgomery, who used the phrase "biggest All-Star snub of the year" in the same breath. Coincidence? Unlikely. This young man is a dynamic NBA star that is young enough to shine brighter in the near and extended future. But how do recent events affect his rise to power?

Gerald Wallace averages more points than Dante Cunningham, Joel Przybilla, and Sean Marks combined. He can shoot jump shots very well, but he can also do post work as well because of his size. I do firmly believe that (a) Wallace should start and (b) he is also a dynamic player that will improve this team. This is where things get complicated. As I said, LaMarcus Aldridge could find himself having to share the ball a little more because the double team is getting thrown at him. If the double team comes when LA is isolated in the post, he can kick out or hit a cutter for a good look at a bucket. If you have two scoring threats down low, the weak side defender can't come over and help on defense because he has to stick to his man. I foresee a lot of frustrated defenses trying to keep a lid on the explosiveness of that double threat down low.

So you have LaMarcus Aldridge: most improved post player in the league, Gerald Wallace: your triple threat beast, and who else? You guessed it: Brandon Roy. The sheer talent level in that combination is mind blowing for three guys who weren't named to the All-Star team this year. Perhaps a Portland big three? Well, a medium three. The difference between these guys and those amigos presently residing in Miami is that there is only one superstar involved here. Only one guy used to having the ball in his hands more than the others. That creates a better fit for the others, who can receive the ball in particular places on the court, let B-Roy go to work, or go to work themselves. There's no "Let's learn to work together" element involved. I don't know about you, but things may be looking on the up and up for Portland after our Medium Three start to grow.

Consider the stage set: We have our principals in the lead roles, one of the best stage crews and directors in the business, and the finest supporting cast on Broadway. Rise with us.