FOUR assists ALL season, but, how are you not convinced of this guy’s greatness?
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Old colours: Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge guards Memphis Grizzlies veteran Zach Randolph last season. On this night and the many more that are to come, this was about Aldridge learning to be his aggressive, ball-dominant self within the context of a system that has so always been known for balance and selflessness. Aldridge is an elite all-star, but there are areas of his game he can improve.
“I know we were down double-digits, but we saw a few good things”, Spoelstra said of his first unit. And while I’m not going to sit here and argue against this team’s potential, I’m not going to sign off on any radical predictions until I see what the roster looks like in April. They gave me the ball on the block a pretty good amount of times.
The rookie’s stat line didn’t pop tonight (2 PTS, 1/5 FG, 6 REB, 3 AST, 4 PF) and it may rarely scream Rookie of the Year all season but Justise Winslow – physically and mentally – looks he’ll be an impactful part of the Heat’s rotation this season. “I thought I got good shots all night”.
The Spurs’ original big three of guards Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili and forward Tim Duncan did not play. That’s exactly what the Spurs are hoping for with Aldridge. The Spurs took him with the 58th pick in the 2013 Draft.
“Honestly I don’t know”, assistant coach Ettore Messina, subbing for Popovich, said when asked for his estimation of how long it will take Aldridge to feel comfortable with the San Antonio system.
Meanwhile, the Spurs also started their preseason with a defeat as they fell to the Sacramento Kings 95-92.
The question is who will be playing in this one.
“He kind of reaffirmed that they didn’t want to change me, and that who I am is OK.”
“I can make the extra pass, which I’ve done”.
“It’s just different. I’m not saying I’m uncomfortable”. Most importantly: the Heat recorded a +12.9 box score plus/minus when Bosh was on the floor during the 19 W’s. “He’s used to making his moves”. Frankly, it’s a lot easier to be a team guy then. But if you don’t have chemistry, you’re probably not going to be successful.
By comparison, West’s challenge should be a breeze. Perhaps most impressively, he finished the year with a 26.26 PER.
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Personally, I think they’re going to be ideal for each other AND will play to Wade/Whiteside/Deng’s strengths. Very laid back, very easygoing. We’ll continue to get organized.
