LaMarcus Aldridge - Postup Powerhouse

LaMarcus Aldridge grew up idolizing Tim Duncan. Growing up in Dallas, and going to the University of Texas, LaMarcus regards Timmy as the best power forward of all time. After becoming a star in his own right in Portland, he made a move to join his hero in his home state. The talent of LaMarcus is so undeniable that the Spurs even got permission to unretire a number just so he could wear it. His numbers aren’t as gaudy as when he was a Blazer, but the coaches recognized his worth, and made him an NBA All-Star. LA finished the season with a top-15 Player Efficiency Rating, in the top-20 in Field Goal percentage, and helped guide the Spurs to a franchise best 67 wins (including a record tying 40-1 at home).

LA is just fun to watch. His ability to play either big position is impressive, especially given that he had stated in the past that he doesn’t really like to bang with opposing centers. He’s a very intelligent defender (7th in the league in Defensive Rating, 9th in Defensive Win Shares), he’s quick to move the ball if the occasion calls for it, but we’re here to watch his pretty post game. It’s not surprising that LaMarcus has the complete offensive package, given that he modelled his game after Duncan, but that takes nothing away from watching his bevy of beautiful pumps, spins, and reverse pivots. Obviously, his jumper is lethal, and any time he can use that, he does, but he’s not afraid to power through contact when the situation necessitates it.

Yes, the Spurs campaign ended much earlier than most thought it would, but Aldridge has proven that when the great Tim Duncan finally hangs em up, there’s a post presence ready for the torch to be passed.

[IvoryNerva]

I love how many of these are against great defenders like Anthony Davis or Ibaka. Aldridge has developed even more of a complete post game, as he relies less on the turnaround and fadeaway jumpers and uses step throughs, up-and-unders, and hook shots more frequently.

Edit: Such a great left hand, too.

[Shualiksik]

it's like Duncan never left.. tears*

[miguel.ito]

Having watched him for the majority of his prime years in Portland, I'd say the biggest addition to his post-up game has been his left hand finishes. Whether or not this had to do with his hand injury, or it was just something he worked out in the off-season, it has definitely made his post-game a little more unpredictable. His move on Kyle O'Quinn at 1:50 is undoubtedly out of Duncan's bag of tricks though.

[zerogeass]

This dude got every post move in the book. Better than AD's game which is jumpers and dunks.

[Fatlord]

My favorite player. Nothing flashy, no secrets. All substance and fundamentals. From a knicks fan

[patrickyu]

He was one of my favorite big man and low post player beside Hakeem, KG and Pau Gasol. His turnaround fadeaway shot is un-guardable

[EricShoots]

I have arguments with friends saying aldridge played subpar last year and he wont be any better this year. He picked it up arguably during the most competitive part of the season (against the thunder WCsf) and thats where we saw him be finally at ease and comfortable. Now that hes comfortable and at a peace of mind with his role, this season hes just going to tear everything up. Watch out for the spurs man

[ambientcouch]

Been waiting for a decent compilation of him for a while. True talent.

[jefwhite]

I enjoy watching him play so much. My favorite

[TheEqualizer]

One of the “what ifs”. Imagine if Kawhi never left SA. I felt Aldridge chose the Spurs during his free agency in 2015 knowing he would be pairing with Kawhi in his remaining career. That 2017 season where Kawhi got undercut by Pachulia changed everything for the Spurs franchise. That Aldridge-Kawhi would have at least won 2🏆

[scofieId]

Very patient in the post. Has a great left hand.

[ashylarry]

Jab-fade over the right shoulder is nasty.

[yunan]

The last of the breed. I hope Ayton could get his facup/postup game to this level

[PokeyCottons]

I see his arsenal is organized in this video, section by section focusing on one move at a time. It's good for studying, but for entertainment, I would prefer to see it all mixed up to keep it interesting. Good video & long live L.A.

[smh]

love watching this dude play man this is my kind of basketball lol

[noahmacy]

Gosh I miss watching him play. Giving these top bugs buckets all day

[jaydentaylor]

I love the quality's of these videos when they come out keep up the work

[hallokity]

he seems so stiff and inflexible but his skill is amazing

[NingaSquad]

Realistictly whos been better post player for a big this year? No one

[Richard-ckjl]

It's interesting to examine his tendencies. Likes to be on the left wing. If he can back them in, then he likes to use a hook shot, or running hook, or up and under. Otherwise, he does his fadeaway, which is always fading left. If he's on the right ring he usually does his fadeaway. I think his movements look very mechanical and rigid, but they're still effective. It's not fluid like Hakeem.