Power Forwards:
LaMarcus Aldridge >>> this is my “I told you so” pick. At the start of last season, I suggested that the versatility of LaMarcus Aldridge on the offensive end and his length and ability to disrupt shots on the defensive end makes him the best at his position. I was scolded by my backyard posse of Hollywood and B.C for not picking Kevin Love.
Then the playoffs started and LaMarcus proceeded to tally a total of 89 points, 26 rebounds, and 5 blocks in the first two games. He finished the series averaging 29.8 points a game along with 2.5 blocks to beat the team I pick for the NBA Finals. That performance pretty much guaranteed him an invitation to this year’s roster. I will admit that I feel Kevin Love is the best rebounder in the game but not the best player in this position.
Career Stats: Points: 18.9 Rebounds: 8.2 Blocks: 1.0
Anthony Davis >>> Shout out to B.C for putting a not-so-subtle reminder on my Facebook page that Anthony Davis is the truth. A massive picture of Davis with his stats is posted on my page; those stats read 27 points, 11 rebounds, 6 blocks, and 4 steals. Even though it is early in the season, it should be noted that A.D is leading the league in blocks, and rebounds and is in the top five in scoring.
He looks like a better LaMarcus Aldridge or a young Tim Duncan. In contrast to Kevin Love when he was with the Minnesota Timberwolves; I think Davis can lead his team to the playoffs. That’s what franchise players do, win in spite of their team. I considered my last two selections from previous years were Blake Griffin and Zach Randolph. Then I asked myself these questions. Could Blake Griffin’s Los Angeles Clippers make the playoffs without Chris Paul or Deandre Jordan? Could Zach Randolph do it without Marc Gasol or Mike Conley? My answers were no and no. Those results made it much easier to put the Chi-town kid in this slot.
Career Stats: Points: 17.7 Rebounds: 9.3 Blocks: 2.4