Under The Microscope: LaMarcus Aldridge, Under the Lights

Each week, Under The Microscope looks at a different player and examines him in the context of a game that week. On Thursday, the Blazers fell to the Mavericks, and we focused on LaMarcus Aldridge. Here's a look at how Aldridge fared. This is part two; you can read part one of this week's UtM here.

The Phrase Is: Strength Without Brutality, Finesse Without Bravado

The Story Of One: Do you ask for more?

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 21 points tonight, added 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Dallas survived a furious rally by the Blazers at the end to hold off. But if you want to dissect what LaMarcus Aldridge did, you have to ask yourself what you want from a player like him, in Portland. And it's not an easy question to answer.

Aldridge displayed all the talents that have made him one of the key components on the Trail Blazers. The question is whether this is his ceiling, and if so, if it is due to talent or attitude.

Normally that question revolves around effort in the NBA, particularly when you have a player under 25. It's definitely not the case with Aldridge. The entire night, the thing that always caught me was how after every play on either end of the floor, I'd see the same thing when Aldridge was on the floor. That huge frame, like a running table, hustling down the end of the floor as hard as he can. Now, granted, there were problems with this, like his inability to maintain focus in transition. Repeatedly trailing shooters (Dirk Nowitzki to start, Josh Howard throughout) would get open because Aldridge was rushing to the low post. This is still a pretty positive attribute against almost every team but the Mavericks. This may have something to do with the incredibly long winning streak the Mavs have over the Blazers in Dallas. But the hustle is also indicative of a willingness to work, which is of vital importance for a young player like that.

The attitude Aldridge displayed was fascinating. Aldridge took the phrase "Let the game come to him" and became one with it. He shot 50% from the floor, and didn't waste almost any of his possessions, notching zero turnovers. He also knocked down a solid variety of shots, showcasing sharp footwork in the paint, a cross-lane step-hook, the classic power forward mid-range jumper, and the clean-up dunk. It was just what the Blazers needed from him offensively. What's strange is that Aldridge never called for the ball. He never forced the issue. Most times the ball just kind of flowed to him and he took his shot. Nowitzki was able to take him out of his game, forcing him to the fadeaway before he picked up early foul trouble.

Looking at the stat line, it would be easy to think Aldridge was inactive on the boards. But that doesn't really tell the whole story. After struggling at the perimeter on the pick and roll, the Blazers moved him down low. And he put in the work, but his bulk wasn't enough to reel in a ton of boards.

The relationship with the stars in Portland is another peculiar thing to see in action. You can tell that Portland wants to initiate action with Oden. They feed him constantly, even when he's not in a prime position for success. Worse yet,Brandon Roy, for all his brilliance, sometimes monopolizes the ball, making rash decisions and forcing shots. The Blazers have such a devastatingly deep bench, yet they too often seem like they're trying to force the issue of the top level stars. You have to wonder if they used Aldridge's athleticism more in the post if he could contribute more. Which feels wrong, since he's their second leading scorer. But you always get the sense that Aldridge is filling in gaps, not laying the groundwork.

Aldridge's screens were softer than over-ripened peaches. He danced in and out of contact. Defensively, his happy feet were a good thing, keeping him moving and active in the lane. But on offense, he'd hop in and out of a screen without committing to it. It did help his mid-range jumper which has an excellent release.

There was no killer instinct displayed by Aldridge, but he did show tremendous clutch instincts. He managed a late and-one to put the Blazers back in a position to charge to make it a game. He also shouted out for the press which created the turnover which in turn brought it to a single possession ballgame in the last thirty seconds. So what Aldridge lacks in alpha-male mentality, he makes up for in floor generalship and a willingness to do the job when it's got to get done.

So is Aldridge's lack of drive to dominate a bad thing? You'd have to say yes, given the Blazers' success and their abundance of stars. Aldridge does what he does, puts in his work, racks up the second most points, and heads home. He's a workman's workman, even at 23. And if he manages to be succesful with that attitude,maybe it makes him the perfect addition. Capable of contributing significantly without needing to affect the flow of the game.

Defensively, Aldridge is typically just as good on the perimeter as he is downlow. But against the Mavericks' wings he suffered, so the Blazers sent Aldridge down low. He was not intimidating. Active, but not intimidating. Yet you get the impression that with time, training and coaching, Aldridge will develop into the kind of all-around interior defender coaches dream of.

Aldridge is at times, all things, and not specifically anything. Perimeter forward, post-presence, near-All-Star and role player. He's everything to everyone, and if he keeps performing at this level or raises even noticably, the Blazers may have to re-examing their hierarchy.