Aldridge Battles Bargnani in Scrimmage
posted: 7/8/2006 at 3:40 PM
It is always news when the number-one pick in the draft meets the number-two pick. That happened on Saturday morning, at Durango High School in Las Vegas, in a small practice gym. The Portland Trail Blazers summer league team, with a day off from play in the Toshiba Vegas Summer League, scrimmaged both the Denver Nuggets, and then the Toronto Raptors.
After playing in a game Friday night that ended at around 9 o'clock in Las Vegas, the Blazers were up early to go through the scrimmages. They opened the day against Denver, and played one half of basketball. There were referees on hand, including veteran NBA official Rodney Mott, and the scoreboard was operating, but there were no fans, and only one member of the media (who covers the Nuggets) was there. The only other one's watching were employees of NBA teams. For what it's worth, the Blazers won the first two quarters against Denver's summer team, and then moved into a secondary practice gym to take on Toronto.
We had seen the Toronto Raptors arrive at the high school, including number-one pick Andrea Bargnani, and head to a smaller practice gymnasium. Following the Blazers scrimmage against Denver, we also moved to the little gym to take on the Raptors. I was excited to see if we'd indeed get to see LaMarcus Aldridge take on Bargnani for a couple of quarters of the second scrimmage.
Both Aldridge and Bargnani started the scrimmage for their respective teams, and guarded each other. Aldridge was very agressive and was able to successfully follow Bargnani out to the perimeter to keep him from scoring. Bargnani was taken out of the scrimmage midway through the first quarter, but returned moments later and played the rest of the way. Aldridge played the entire half. Neither player lit up the scoreboard, but clearly, at least down low, Aldridge was the more physical, and more polished player. It could even be said that he looked to be more NBA ready.
Granted, this was just a scrimmage in a small high school gym, so I'm not trying to make too much out of this. Aldridge did have an impressive slam dunk inside, and hit a couple of foul-line jumpers. At the defensive end, Bargnani posted up Aldridge several times, and on one occasion tried to take the ball across the key and shoot a baby-hook shot, but Aldridge swatted it away. It was a good example of Aldridge's length and athleticism, as he appeared to have been beaten on the play, but recovered to get the block. Bargnani has impressive size, and stepped back to hit a three-pointer late in the second quarter, his only bucket of the scrimmage. Still, he has great range, and has a great NBA build. He'll be a very solid player for Toronto, if not immediately, then certainly down the road. The Blazers ended up beating Toronto in that second scrimmage by seven points.
The Trail Blazer summer league team started the day slowly, and looked to be very tired, understandably so, following Friday night's game. But, by the end of the second scrimmage, they were looking as sharp as I've seen them here in Las Vegas. I talked to Aldridge after the second game, and asked him how he felt. He said, "a bit tired," and smiled. He continued, "we played very well in that second game, sucked it up, and played great defense." I asked for LaMarcus' thoughts on Bargnani and he said, "he's going to be a great player. He'll add muscle as he grows and has a great outside touch."
I've been gushing over Brandon Roy, and I'm not the only one. He once again showed that he's got a complete NBA game, and was the best player on the floor. He is so quick, has great handles, and most of all, is very physical. He's been deadly from the perimeter, and can get to the hoop just about anytime he wants. Roy probably had the most impressive play of the scrimmage today, when he flew in out of nowhere to grab a missed shot with his right hand, then switched it to his left in one motion and spun up a reverse lay in on the other side of the hoop. It looked so easy and so smooth, like everything he does. I mentioned to Aldridge after the scrimmage "how about Brandon?" LaMarcus smiled, shook his head, and said, "man, he's so strong."
Martell Webster continues to impress as well, and played very well against Toronto. Denver coach George Karl was watching the scrimmage against the Raptors, and at one point turned to Blazers president Steve Patterson and said, "wow, that kid can flat out shoot it." Toronto general manager Brian Colangelo was also on hand and said to Patterson at one point, "congratulations on your moves on draft day. It was fun to watch." Patterson responded, "it was fun to be a part of."
Jarrett Jack and Dan Dickau went through light workouts while the team scrimmaged today. Trainer Jay Jensen ran them through some shooting, and full court footwork drills. Dan heads home tomorrow, and says his surgically-repaired Achilles tendon is feeling "great."
The Trail Blazers return to action in the Toshiba Vegas Summer League tomorrow, when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at 5 o'clock. That game can be heard live on KXL 750am in the Portland area.
RSS FEED
Thanks for Your coverage Mike.
I hope the recent excitement in the Rose City has increased season ticket sales. We Portland fans are Hungry for W's.
Man, I was excited about getting Aldridge, but now I am getting really excited about Brandon Roy. I cant wait to see him in action. Congrats to the Blazers organization for some great moves on draft day. I am also very excited for Jarret Jack to get more of an oppertunity now that Telfair has moved on.
Chris Thorson
Man, I was excited about getting Aldridge, but now I am getting really excited about Brandon Roy. I cant wait to see him in action. Congrats to the Blazers organization for some great moves on draft day. I am also very excited for Jarret Jack to get more of an oppertunity now that Telfair has moved on.
Chris Thorson
Great update Mike. As nervous and confused as I was by the draft it really feels like we have made some great moves. I am more excited about this season than I have been in a long time. I'm excited and I feel we can have a 35 win season.
Tell Coach McMillan to unleash the beast, HA. I want to see what he can do this season. Then we will see who has the last laugh. Get it? HA....last laugh.....
hello mike! it's sounding more and more like Brandon Roy could be our starting point guard this coming season. I will be watching the two summer league games being coverd on NBA t.v. i cant wait to see all our guys in action. TAKE CARE MIKE!!
assuming we can lose Randolph and Miles and add just one veteran forward to the mix in their place, i feel we are two years from contention and if we play our cards right, possibly remaining one for the better part of a decade. Imagine if you will Pryzbilla at Center, Aldridge Outlaw Webster and said veteran in the frontcourt, Roy Blake and Jack and one more in the backcourt. That blazer fans is a team to fear in the near future.
DANG i'm lovin brandon roy...why play him at the point tho? we have blake and jarret at point...put roy where he's comfy...at the 2 or 3.
Hey, Mike, i think it's fantastic that Portland has the games available to be heard on the radio. I'm surprised there are no other franchises that are doing the same. It goes a long way in showing the organization is committed to the fans.
It also seems that Portland is the most active in reporting what is going on in the league. For die hard Blazer fans hoping to hear something everyday, it's great to see the enthusiasm is matched by the organization. Usually, it's not this easy to follow the maturation of rookies and young players until at least preseason.
Did you think Foye dominated Roy in the 1-1 as ESPN said in their cover story!
Did you think Foye dominated Roy in the 1-1 as ESPN said in their cover story!
mr.blazer said it right. We die hard fans love the coverage. Thanks again.
Roy vs Foye update- Roy 4.0 assists/per -Foye .07 assists/per how's ERSPN gonna spin those digits? Front page... or Page 2... Comment?
Post a Comment
<< Home