
8. LaMarcus Aldridge
23.2 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.9 APG, 22.5 PER
LaMarcus Aldridge is out with a thumb injury, and the first round of MRI tests on the thumb were āinconclusive.ā
Thatās not good for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Aldridge has been the best power forward in the NBA during the first half of the season. Heās averaging 23.2 points per game on 46 percent shooting for the second-seed in the West.
Aldridge could bring his shooting percentage up a bit. Over the course of his career, heās a 48 percent shooter. However, Aldridge has stepped into a bigger role this season, covering up for Robin Lopezās absence and a slumping Nic Batum this season.
If Aldridge is out indefinitely and/or doesnāt return this season, you have to think the Blazersā goose will be cooked.
I mean, Portland will still have Damian Lillard and Wesley Matthews, but it will be tough without their most dynamic offensive player and one of the toughest matchups in the league.
Next: Marc Gasol