LaMarcus Aldridge
Encyclopedia
LaMarcus Nurae Aldridge (born July 19, 1985) is an American professional basketball
player with the NBA
's Portland Trail Blazers
. He is a , 240-pound power forward
/center
and is one of Portland's
two team captains, with the other being Brandon Roy
.
, where he became a Parade
All-American and Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) Class 4A Player of the Year prior to graduating in 2004 and attending the University of Texas at Austin
. He declared for the 2004 NBA Draft
but ultimately withdrew his name. According to one report, Aldridge's initial decision to attend college rather than entering the pro ranks directly from high school was influenced by Shaquille O'Neal
's personal advice that he should go to college and then evaluate his NBA prospects. However, in April 2006, near the end of his second year at UT, Aldridge announced that he would leave college to enter the 2006 NBA Draft
.
by the Chicago Bulls
, only to have his draft rights traded to the Portland Trail Blazers
for their pick, Tyrus Thomas
and Viktor Khryapa
, shortly after. The Bulls acquired the pick from the New York Knicks
in the 2005 Eddy Curry
trade.
. Aldridge made an immediate impact on offense, averaging 8.4 points on 54% shooting from the field through his first 14 games. After the loss of starting center Joel Przybilla
in February 2007 to season-ending knee surgery, Aldridge was awarded the starting center position and improved his scoring to 14.7 points alongside 8.0 rebounds per game in the month of March. This placed him second in the voting for the Western Conference Rookie of the Month to Roy. On March 31, 2007, in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers
, Aldridge was taken to Providence Hospital in Portland for shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat. He was diagnosed with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome on April 9, 2007, and missed the remaining eight games of the 2006–07 season. Aldridge started 22 games his rookie season.
Aldridge was one of six players named to the 2007 NBA All-Rookie
first team; he tied for fifth place along with Toronto Raptors
player Jorge Garbajosa
.
, a heart ailment. He missed the rest of the regular season in order to monitor the problem and correct it.
. During this season, Aldridge had injury troubles due to plantar fasciitis
, which caused him to miss games from December 11 to December 18, 2007. After the time missed, Aldridge still had some trouble with the foot but was able to play effectively.
Aldridge developed his offensive game over the course of the season, still relying heavily on his midrange fade away shot. He finished the season averaging 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds. Aldridge scored over 20 points in half of the last 28 games of the season. For his first time in the league Aldridge nearly played a full season, missing only one game.
signed a contract extension with LaMarcus Aldridge. Aldridge received a five year $65 million extension. Before committing to Aldridge, the Trail Blazers signed a five year $80 million deal with All-Star Brandon Roy
.
on February 7, 2011. On March 2, Aldridge received his first NBA Player of the Month award. Aldridge is only the third Trail Blazer to do so, along with Clyde Drexler
(1991) and Kelvin Ransey
(1981). Aldridge came second in voting for the Most Improved Player award
behind Kevin Love. LaMarcus Aldridge was voted to the All-NBA Third Team with 135 votes.
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Portland
| 63 || 22 || 22.1 || .503 || .000 || .722 || 5.0 || .4 || .3 || 1.2 || 9.0
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Portland
| 76 || 76 || 34.9 || .484 || .143 || .762 || 7.6 || 1.6 || .7 || 1.2 || 17.8
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
| align="left" | Portland
| 81 || 81 || 37.1 || .484 || .250 || .781 || 7.5 || 1.9 || .9 || .9 || 18.1
|-
| align="left" | 2009-10
| align="left" | Portland
| 78 || 78 || 37.5 || .495 || .313 || .757 || 8.0 || 2.1 || .9 || .6 || 17.9
|-
| align="left" | 2010-11
| align="left" | Portland
| 81 || 81 || 39.6 || .500 || .174 || .791 || 8.8 || 2.1 || 1.0 || 1.2 || 21.8
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 379 || 338 || 34.8 || .492 || .224 || .771 || 7.5 || 1.7 || .8 || 1.0 || 17.3
| align="left" | 2008–09
| align="left" | Portland
| 6 || 6 || 39.5 || .490 || .250 || .700 || 7.5 || 1.3 || .5 || 1.7 || 19.5
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
| align="left" | Portland
| 6 || 6 || 38.2 || .430 || .500 || .750 || 6.0 || 2.2 || 1.2 || 1.8 || 19.0
|-
| align="left" | 2010–11
| align="left" | Portland
| 6 || 6 || 43.0 || .461 || .000 || .792 || 7.5 || 1.3 || 1.3 || 1.7 || 20.8
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 18 || 18 || 40.2 || .462 || .333 || .750 || 7.0 || 1.6 || 1 || 1.7 || 19.8
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player with the NBA
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
's Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
. He is a , 240-pound power forward
Power forward (basketball)
Power forward is a position in the sport of basketball. The position is referred to in playbook terms as the four position and is commonly abbreviated "PF". It has also been referred to as the "post" position. Power forwards play a role similar to that of center in what is called the "post" or "low...
/center
Center (basketball)
The center, colloquially known as the five or the post, is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. The center is normally the tallest player on the team, and often has a great deal of strength and body mass as well...
and is one of Portland's
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
two team captains, with the other being Brandon Roy
Brandon Roy
Brandon Dawayne Roy is an American professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association. He was selected sixth in the 2006 NBA Draft, having completed four years playing for the Washington Huskies. In 2009, he served as the team's co-captain, along...
.
Early life
Aldridge attended Seagoville High SchoolSeagoville High School
Seagoville High School is a public secondary school located in Dallas, Texas, United States, northwest of the city of Seagoville. Seagoville High School enrolls students in grades 9-12 and is a part of the Dallas Independent School District....
, where he became a Parade
Parade (magazine)
Parade is an American nationwide Sunday newspaper magazine, distributed in more than 500 newspapers in the United States. It was founded in 1941 and is owned by Advance Publications. The most widely read magazine in the U.S., Parade has a circulation of 32.2 million and a readership of nearly 70...
All-American and Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) Class 4A Player of the Year prior to graduating in 2004 and attending the University of Texas at Austin
University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is a state research university located in Austin, Texas, USA, and is the flagship institution of the The University of Texas System. Founded in 1883, its campus is located approximately from the Texas State Capitol in Austin...
. He declared for the 2004 NBA Draft
2004 NBA Draft
The 2004 NBA Draft was held on June 24, 2004 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York and was broadcast live on ESPN at 7:00 pm . In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting amateur college basketball players and other first-time eligible...
but ultimately withdrew his name. According to one report, Aldridge's initial decision to attend college rather than entering the pro ranks directly from high school was influenced by Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal , nicknamed "Shaq" , is a former American professional basketball player. Standing tall and weighing , he was one of the heaviest players ever to play in the NBA...
's personal advice that he should go to college and then evaluate his NBA prospects. However, in April 2006, near the end of his second year at UT, Aldridge announced that he would leave college to enter the 2006 NBA Draft
2006 NBA Draft
The 2006 NBA Draft was held on June 28, 2006 at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City and was broadcast in the United States on ESPN. In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting amateur U.S. college basketball players and other eligible players,...
.
NBA Draft
Aldridge was drafted 2nd overall in the 2006 NBA Draft2006 NBA Draft
The 2006 NBA Draft was held on June 28, 2006 at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City and was broadcast in the United States on ESPN. In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting amateur U.S. college basketball players and other eligible players,...
by the Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
, only to have his draft rights traded to the Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
for their pick, Tyrus Thomas
Tyrus Thomas
Tyrus Wayne Thomas is an American professional basketball player who played one season of college basketball at Louisiana State University and is a member of the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats.-High school career:...
and Viktor Khryapa
Viktor Khryapa
Viktor Vladimirovich Khryapa is a Russian professional basketball player.-Pro career:Khryapa played for Khimik Engels in 1999-00, and for Avtodor Saratov in 2000-02...
, shortly after. The Bulls acquired the pick from the New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
in the 2005 Eddy Curry
Eddy Curry
Eddy Curry is an American professional basketball player who is currently a free agent. He was born in Harvey, Illinois...
trade.
Rookie season
Aldridge missed the first seven games of the 2006–07 NBA season due to off-season shoulder surgery, but returned ahead of schedule due in part to an injury to fellow rookie teammate Brandon RoyBrandon Roy
Brandon Dawayne Roy is an American professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association. He was selected sixth in the 2006 NBA Draft, having completed four years playing for the Washington Huskies. In 2009, he served as the team's co-captain, along...
. Aldridge made an immediate impact on offense, averaging 8.4 points on 54% shooting from the field through his first 14 games. After the loss of starting center Joel Przybilla
Joel Przybilla
Joel Przybilla is an American professional basketball player. A 7'1" center, he last played for the Charlotte Bobcats in the NBA.- High school career :...
in February 2007 to season-ending knee surgery, Aldridge was awarded the starting center position and improved his scoring to 14.7 points alongside 8.0 rebounds per game in the month of March. This placed him second in the voting for the Western Conference Rookie of the Month to Roy. On March 31, 2007, in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
, Aldridge was taken to Providence Hospital in Portland for shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat. He was diagnosed with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome on April 9, 2007, and missed the remaining eight games of the 2006–07 season. Aldridge started 22 games his rookie season.
Aldridge was one of six players named to the 2007 NBA All-Rookie
NBA All-Rookie Team
The NBA All-Rookie Team is an annual National Basketball Association honor given since the 1962–63 NBA season to the top rookies during the regular season. Voting is conducted by the NBA head coaches; who are not allowed to vote for players on their own team. The All-Rookie Team is generally...
first team; he tied for fifth place along with Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are a professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1995, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, as part of the NBA's re-expansion...
player Jorge Garbajosa
Jorge Garbajosa
Jorge Garbajosa Chaparro, Jr., nicknamed "Garbo" , is a Spanish professional basketball player. At 2.07 m , he plays both power forward and small forward.-Pro career:*1994-97 Taugres*1997-00 TAU Cerámica...
.
Heart ailment
During the end of the 2006–2007 season he was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndromeWolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome is a disorder of the heart in which the ventricles of the heart contract prematurely due to an accessory pathway known as the bundle of Kent. This accessory pathway is an abnormal electrical communication from the atria to the ventricles...
, a heart ailment. He missed the rest of the regular season in order to monitor the problem and correct it.
2007–08 season
Aldridge increased his play in his sophomore year, with career highs in points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals, and finished third in voting for the Most Improved Player awardNBA Most Improved Player Award
The National Basketball Association's Most Improved Player Award is an annual National Basketball Association award given since the 1985–86 NBA season, to the most improved player of the regular season. The winner is selected by a panel of sportswriters throughout the United States and Canada,...
. During this season, Aldridge had injury troubles due to plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory process of the plantar fascia, the connective tissue on the sole of the foot.Longstanding cases of plantar fasciitis often demonstrate more degenerative changes than inflammatory changes, in which case they are termed plantar fasciosis. The suffix...
, which caused him to miss games from December 11 to December 18, 2007. After the time missed, Aldridge still had some trouble with the foot but was able to play effectively.
2008–09 season
LaMarcus Aldridge played inconsistently to start the season, adjusting to more defensive pressure. He called the first 15 games "the worst funk" of his life. Aldridge improved as the season went on:| Month | Points | Rebounds | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct/Nov | 15.8 | 6.7 | .454 |
| December | 18.6 | 6.6 | .498 |
| January | 19.2 | 7.8 | .517 |
| Total | 17.5 | 6.9 | .484 |
Aldridge developed his offensive game over the course of the season, still relying heavily on his midrange fade away shot. He finished the season averaging 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds. Aldridge scored over 20 points in half of the last 28 games of the season. For his first time in the league Aldridge nearly played a full season, missing only one game.
2009 off-season
In late October, the Portland Trail BlazersPortland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
signed a contract extension with LaMarcus Aldridge. Aldridge received a five year $65 million extension. Before committing to Aldridge, the Trail Blazers signed a five year $80 million deal with All-Star Brandon Roy
Brandon Roy
Brandon Dawayne Roy is an American professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association. He was selected sixth in the 2006 NBA Draft, having completed four years playing for the Washington Huskies. In 2009, he served as the team's co-captain, along...
.
2009–10 season
LaMarcus put up similar numbers to the previous season. Early in December Greg Oden suffered a season ending injury. Aldridge received more minutes and offensive opportunities as a result.2010–11 season
Aldridge further emerged as a player and a leader in December 2010 after Brandon Roy was out due to knee problems. Aldridge was awarded the NBA Player of the Week twice, for January 17–23 and February 7–13. He scored a career-high 42 points against the Chicago BullsChicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
on February 7, 2011. On March 2, Aldridge received his first NBA Player of the Month award. Aldridge is only the third Trail Blazer to do so, along with Clyde Drexler
Clyde Drexler
Clyde Austin "Clyde The Glide" Drexler is a former National Basketball Association shooting guard and small forward. A ten-time All-Star and member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, the NBA named him one of basketball's fifty greatest players as of 1996. Drexler won an Olympic gold medal in 1992 and...
(1991) and Kelvin Ransey
Kelvin Ransey
Kelvin Ransey is a retired American collegiate and professional basketball player of the 1970s and 1980s, respectively.Ransey attended Toledo's Macomber High School in the mid 1970s...
(1981). Aldridge came second in voting for the Most Improved Player award
NBA Most Improved Player Award
The National Basketball Association's Most Improved Player Award is an annual National Basketball Association award given since the 1985–86 NBA season, to the most improved player of the regular season. The winner is selected by a panel of sportswriters throughout the United States and Canada,...
behind Kevin Love. LaMarcus Aldridge was voted to the All-NBA Third Team with 135 votes.
Personal
In the offseason, Aldridge splits his time between the Portland area and his hometown of Dallas, Texas. In April 2009, Aldridge's son Jaylen Lea Aldridge was born. Aldridge is separated from Jaylen's mother. Jaylen lives with his mother in San Antonio, Texas.Awards and honors
- All-NBA Third TeamAll-NBA TeamThe All-NBA Team is an annual National Basketball Association honor bestowed on the best players in the league following every NBA season. The voting is conducted by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. The team has been selected in every season of the...
: 2011 - NBA All-Rookie First TeamNBA All-Rookie TeamThe NBA All-Rookie Team is an annual National Basketball Association honor given since the 1962–63 NBA season to the top rookies during the regular season. Voting is conducted by the NBA head coaches; who are not allowed to vote for players on their own team. The All-Rookie Team is generally...
: 2007 - Western Conference Player of the Week
- January 17-23, 2011
- February 7-13, 2011
- Western Conference Player of the Month
- February, 2011
Career highs
- Points: 42 on February 7, 2011 against the Chicago BullsChicago BullsThe Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
. - Rebounds: 19 on December 20, 2010 against the Milwaukee BucksMilwaukee BucksThe Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
. - Assists: 7 on March 22, 2008 against the Los Angeles ClippersLos Angeles ClippersThe Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
. - Blocks: 7 on December 28, 2010 against the Denver NuggetsDenver NuggetsThe Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
. - Steals: 4 on November 12, 2008 against the Miami HeatMiami HeatThe Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
. (Matched 4 times)
Regular season
|-| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Portland
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
| 63 || 22 || 22.1 || .503 || .000 || .722 || 5.0 || .4 || .3 || 1.2 || 9.0
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Portland
| 76 || 76 || 34.9 || .484 || .143 || .762 || 7.6 || 1.6 || .7 || 1.2 || 17.8
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
2008–09 NBA season
The 2008–09 NBA season was the 63rd season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, and ended on Wednesday, April 15, 2009...
| align="left" | Portland
| 81 || 81 || 37.1 || .484 || .250 || .781 || 7.5 || 1.9 || .9 || .9 || 18.1
|-
| align="left" | 2009-10
2009–10 NBA season
The 2009–10 NBA season was the 64th season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, and ended on Wednesday, April 14, 2010....
| align="left" | Portland
| 78 || 78 || 37.5 || .495 || .313 || .757 || 8.0 || 2.1 || .9 || .6 || 17.9
|-
| align="left" | 2010-11
| align="left" | Portland
| 81 || 81 || 39.6 || .500 || .174 || .791 || 8.8 || 2.1 || 1.0 || 1.2 || 21.8
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 379 || 338 || 34.8 || .492 || .224 || .771 || 7.5 || 1.7 || .8 || 1.0 || 17.3
Playoffs
|-| align="left" | 2008–09
2009 NBA Playoffs
The 2009 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2008–09 season. The playoffs started on April 18, 2009 with ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV broadcasting the games in the United States...
| align="left" | Portland
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
| 6 || 6 || 39.5 || .490 || .250 || .700 || 7.5 || 1.3 || .5 || 1.7 || 19.5
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
2010 NBA Playoffs
The 2010 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2009–10 season. The playoffs started on April 17, 2010 with ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and NBA TV broadcasting the games in the United States...
| align="left" | Portland
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
| 6 || 6 || 38.2 || .430 || .500 || .750 || 6.0 || 2.2 || 1.2 || 1.8 || 19.0
|-
| align="left" | 2010–11
2011 NBA Playoffs
The 2011 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2010–11 season. Eight teams from each of the league's two conferences qualified for the playoffs, all seeded 1 to 8 in a tournament bracket, with all rounds in a best-of-seven format. The 2011 NBA Playoffs began on...
| align="left" | Portland
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
| 6 || 6 || 43.0 || .461 || .000 || .792 || 7.5 || 1.3 || 1.3 || 1.7 || 20.8
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 18 || 18 || 40.2 || .462 || .333 || .750 || 7.0 || 1.6 || 1 || 1.7 || 19.8
External links
- www.lamarcusaldridge.com - LaMarcus Aldridge's Official Website
- Aldridge Leaves Early @ The Daily Texan Online
- LaMarcus Aldridge profile @ texassports.com
- LaMarcus Aldridge NBA Draft Scouting Report @ DraftExpress.com
- LaMarcus Aldridge player profile @ sports.espn.go.com
- LaMarcus Aldridge player profile @ usabasketball.com
- LaMarcus Aldridge NBA highlights @ Blazersclip.com