LaMarcus Aldridge

LaMarcus Aldridge is a power forward for the Portland Trailblazers. He was born July, 19, 1985 in Dallas, Texas. LaMarcus played college ball for the University Of Texas before being drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the second pick in the 2006 NBA draft. He was then traded to Portland. Aldridge as a rookie often played second fiddle to teammate and fellow rookie Brandon Roy in the rookie of month voting, and even the rookie of the year voting.

Right away, Aldridge made an impact either as a power forward or center in place of starter Joel Przybilla who went down to injury. Despite missing 15 games due to injury or hospital visits, Aldridge joined Roy on the All-Rookie team. He was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson White Syndrome after complaining of shortness of breath and having an irregular heartbeat.

Aldridge has steadily improved his numbers with age. From a nine points a game average to nearly 18 both the last two seasons. LaMarcus's career high in points is 36 points which he achieved in 2007. In his first taste of post-season experience versus the Houston Rockets, Aldridge upped his average even more to nearly 20 points a game in the six game series Portland lost, 4-2.

The Blazers 2009- 2010 season has been marred by injury, 311 games lost to player injury, even with this Portland still managed to win 50 games. Big reason is LaMarcus who has once again improved along the board and is amongst the team leaders in scoring, rebounds, minutes played and blocks. Aldrige has missed four games this season due to injury. Aldridge struggled in the playoffs versus Phoenix but next season is a new year for the forward who hopes to rebound.