Aldridge to Start Friday
posted: 11/16/2006 at 8:51 AM
Greetings from Boston. Last night, for the third time in three days, we have flown east. The good news is, we're about as far east as we can be and still be in the United States. It's a day without a game for the Trail Blazers today. I hesitate to say "off day" because they practiced this afternoon. It wasn't be a long, grueling practice, however, because this day falls between two sets of back-to-back games.
One update from practice. Nate McMillan has already said that he plans to start LaMarcus Aldridge Friday night when the Trail Blazers take on the Celtics (4:30 FSN). It'll be the first NBA start for Aldridge, and his play as of late has warranted it. Nate is hoping this will add some quickness and versatility to the starting unit, and that Aldridge's ability to score, inside and outside, will take some pressure off Zach Randolph. I'll have more later on this.
Last night, was another big effort by Zach, as he went for 26 points and 11 rebounds, but on this night didn't have enough help, as the Trail Blazers fell to the Cavaliers 100 to 87. It wasn't the first quarter that was the problem this time for Portland. They didn't fly out of the locker room, but were down only six points after the first, and trailed by 8 at halftime. By the end of the third, they trailed by 18.
The most ominous sign at the end of the first quarter, was the stat line for LeBron James. He was 0-0 for 0 points in the first, and his team had the lead. James didn't even look to score, and I can't remember him even squaring up to the basket in a threatening way. He was simply trying to set up his teammates, and just appeared to be going half speed. Drew Gooden, who's never seen a shot he doesn't like, did most of the scoring for the Cavs in the early going.
In the latter half of the third quarter, LeBron finally got it up to full speed, and took over the game. This isn't an original thought, I realize, but he is the most explosive, and most dominant player in basketball. He'll be put up against Michael Jordan for as long as he plays, of course. I don't think there's any question that he's got as much talent, if not more, than MJ. He's bigger than Jordan, is just as quick, and finishes just as impressively. The only thing that's missing at this point, is that 48-minute fire that roared inside Jordan. Jordan's biggest asset was his competitive spirit. LeBron just doesn't appear to have that yet. He's got it, just not like Jordan had. James will disappear during stretches of games, especially defensively. James will probably never be the defensive player Jordan was, but is more capable. Everyone has their opinion on this, and it's a tough thing to debate.
For the Trail Blazers, it was Randolph leading the way once again. Zach had 26 points and 11 rebounds, but could have exceeded his scoring average if he'd been decent from the free-throw line. He's been so great at the line lately, but against Cleveland he was just 12 for 20. The Blazers, as a team, missed 12 free throws. They lost by 13, so that was disappointing. As we mentioned on the TV broadcast, Zach just ran out of gas. That was understandable. He takes a beating during games, and just can't be expected to carry this team for 48 minutes in every game. There just aren't enough offensive options at this point.
Here's a quote from LeBron James, which ran in a newspaper in Cleveland today. "Zach is tough. We tried to double him, but he was still getting the ball. Right now he's playing like an all-star." Impressive stuff from the Chosen One.
On the flight to Boston, the players appeared as down as I have seen them. Nate McMillan lit
into them good at halftime, and after the game. They'll rebound, and will be ready to play the Celtics on Friday night, but they were very disappointed following this loss. It's a very healthy thing that they've got this attitude, and you'd rather see this than apathy. They'll practice today, and will get to the drawing board. They still have a chance to have a good trip, and that will be the message going into these final two games.
Tonight on the radio (KXL-AM 750 in the Portland area) it's Trail Blazers Courtside, presented by L.A. Weight Loss. Jay Allen and Bob Akamian will host the show from Portland, but we'll be joining the program from Boston. It's from 6pm to 8.
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Thanks for the update, Mike.
Sorry to see the boyz lose a tough one in Cleveland, but the play of both LaMarcus and Sergio are very encouraging. I expect moving LaMarcus into the starting lineup will help with rebounding quite a bit. Which, in turn, will help with 2nd chance points (giving us more, giving opponents fewer). You know, when I first heard that we were getting Jamaal, my first thought was that he was just what we needed after being such a poor rebounding team last season. Doesnt seem that way right now, though. I can imagine Joel is chomping at the bit to get back on the court and help his team-mates out. Until then, I look forward to seeing more of LaMarcus!
Also VERY good to see Sergio moving up in the PG rotation. The whole offense visibly changes when he is in there. I am a HUGE Jarrett Jack fan, and I feel he is the best starting option for the Blazers, but these last two games have really opened my eyes to what a special player Sergio is & can be. Glad to have him here to push Jack a bit and to give us a spark and a different look when needed. BTW, just learned from some of our newfound Spanish Blazers Bretheren that Sergio`s Spanish nickname is El Chacho (The Kid).
Zach is having a GREAT season so far, but the rest of the team needs to step up. Martell, Travis, and Ime in particular need to contribute a little more on a more consistent basis. This will come in time.
Here`s to wins in Boston and New Jersey, a 2-2 split on this road-trip, LaMarcus starting, and Joel getting back into it for the next home-stand!
GO BLAZERS!!!
PBF
ok, ive looked around. I almost emailed someone to ask...but what is your daughters name?
did you go with Broomhilda like I suggested?
Something about Sergio Rodriguez before playing for the trail blazers.
http://www.hoopshype.com/articles/rodriguez_peinado.htm
Watch his video, mike!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JKiz-xs5YM
Mike, congratulations to you again on the newest addition to your family, Gabrielle.
Aldridge has no ego and just plays hard while he's in there letting the game come to him. As i've said in other comments, this makes him the perfect compliment to Zebo. Length is always a beautiful thing, but with the way the perimeter is now being officiated, it's just that much more important.
I know a lot of people wanted Morrison, but i'm glad we went with Aldridge. There is no question we're a better team with him on the floor, and this is only the tip of the iceberg. If he can stay healthy, the sky is the limit.
I think we're going to put it to Boston, Friday. It's too bad Roy won't be there to show Bassy why he's in a Celtic uniform, this year. These past few games have given us a preview to what we can expect when he's out of the lineup. Still, i expect Boston to make us look pretty good.
PS Sergio is showing everyone he belongs on the floor in the NBA......not the NBDL.
Kises to everybody from Spain. It's glad to learn that Sergio is having minutes and that people is enjoying his play. He is really a nice guy. He is still very young and needs all the help so he can adapt himself to american life.. Give him love, protection and support ant you will get his magic play. Chacho, we are very happy to read in Blazer's page and in The Oregonian about you. I'm sure that you know the key is to work hard day and night. Continue with your effort and you vill obtain you objective. I'm writing in English so that you can also improve the language ja ja ja. Take care and enjoy yourself
Start Sergio too (untill roy gets back). Jack can play the 2.
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