Is LaMarcus Aldridge a top 10 player?

[ArbitraryWater]

First off, let me say, the level of the NBA's top players drops off pretty signficantly after the top 5 of Steph/Bron/Kawhi/KD/Russ...

I think LMA has flown a bit under the radar, with limited/less shots compared to his Portland days, and struggling a bit early on. When needed (and its needed right now, Spurs are led by the combo of Leonard/Aldridge, no doubt), he can absolutely deliver in the playoffs.

Since the new year, 2016 (43 games, including New Year's Eve):

20 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.3 TO's on 14.6 shots, 54.1% FG / 88.4% FT.

The Spurs 'system' (since 2012 or so, Duncan/Parker usually got all the shots they needed prior to this date, Ginobili only not since he came off the bench) deliberately cuts a players total production in moments they aren't as necessary. Leonard has like 5 30+ point games, yet anytime he wants one he gets it. Thus, LMA just cruised through the first round in what was a non-competitive sweep with 15 ppg on 12 fga.

Now Aldridge kicked off the WCSF against the 55-win Thunder with a massive 38 points on 23 shots (18/23) 78% performance.

He's definitely more of a playoff type ready performer than someone like Lowry (top 20 player).

Aldridge really has a complete scoring game at this point. There are a few guys such as George/Harden/Paul/Green who are obvious candidates for the top 10, but I'd think you could stick LMA at the bottom of that list, probably below Davis. George disappeared for a LONG stretch after his November/December start, which he seems to do anually, but then come back with a good playoff campaign (great one for the first time, this year).

Okay, so I'd guess I'd put him at #11. Sure fire top 15 player, with a case for top bottom end top 10.

[k0kakw0rld]

KD Russ top 5?

[Boogey]

100% not

Lebron
Curry
Leonard
KD
cp3
cousins
Green/Davis
westdunk
Harden

PG
LA*
Lillard

Nah, but he's close enough

[keep-itreal]

100% not

Lebron
Curry
Leonard
KD
cp3
cousins
Green/Davis
westdunk
Harden

PG
LA*
Lillard

Nah, but he's close enough

[ImKobe]

top 5 player in the POs

Spurs are crazy efficient right now, Aldridge has been better than Curry/KD/Westbrook/CP3 in the POs.

[ArbitraryWater]

great, we've established he isn't, could we focus on his development, role on the Spurs, and the importance of their one/two combo?

If it helps, take it as top 15.... don't just give weak lists.

because like just said above, he's a top 5 performer in the playoffs.

Where I'd take Dirk in the regular season, LMA has the legs/energy for the playoffs (even though Dirk still played amazingly well).

[Boogey]

Parker is the spark for Aldridge, esentially, he is getting him open looks.

[Smoke117]

hell no.

[sundizz]

He is the perfect playoff player. Points are harder to come by and to have a guy that can get his own within the team concept makes him one of the best offensive players in the playoffs.

Opposite of ball dominant guards. It is why a dominant scoring big is such a valuable weapon. Defenses change because of the area he is able to dominate from. There is a reason this is the best Spurs team ever and it's not just Kawhi.

[Gileraracer]

100% not

Lebron
Curry
Leonard
KD
cp3
cousins
Green/Davis
westdunk
Harden

PG
LA*
Lillard

Nah, but he's close enough

Has Cousins ever won 30 games in one season?

[Boogey]

Numbers don't mean sh*t. LA is easier to guard

[ArbitraryWater]

hell no.

...


hell yeah

[miggyme1]

lol names his top five but forgets to put paul George in there who is a top 5 player. smh

westbrook is good but he still makes boneheaded mistakes down the stretch. I got westbrook at 6....paul George is the most complete player in the league...I cant find a weakness in his game...he can shoot,pass,defend,rebound....how do you take him out of a game????


he literally just made a first round sweep a 7 game series by himself....true it was against the raptors but still.....so no paul George is a top 5 player.

[Milbuck]

Harden

Pass the needle bro

[Steven Kerry]

top 5 player in the POs

Spurs are crazy efficient right now, Aldridge has been better than Curry/KD/Westbrook/CP3 in the POs.

The guy who played 38 minutes total because of injury?