$$ or $$$ or $$$$?

lamarcus aldridge, portland trail blazers
2010-11 nba regular season (spurs v. blazers)

underrated, rated or overrated?

$$$$ underrated: not often in discussion with the other 4s and 5s in the league and likely on the all-star bubble this year, lamarcus’s production and contributions are often overlooked.

with his mid range jumper, averaging 21 and 9 and shooting 49% from the field - he is keeping the blazers in playoff contention once again while they wait for injured blazers to return.  (also of note, in the past 3 seasons, he averaged 17-18 pts and 7-8 rebs/game as part of the blazers’ return to respectability)

$$$ rated: for the most part, he is usually not the first option on offense and plays a good robin to brandon roy’s batman (or any other shoot-first guard).  and while most believe his defensive presence should be aligned closer to his 246 lbs and 6’ 11” frame, he still gets his fair share of defensive boards due to air space and wingspan. 

lamarcus puts up consistent numbers and teams in the league respect his ability.  the sheer fact that he is in all-star discussion this year likely represents the same - it’s more his market than anything else that has people thinking he is under the radar.

$$ overrated: being drafted 2nd overall in the 2006 nba draft and the recipient of a five-year $65 million extension in 2009 certainly adds fuel to this fire. 

the continued opinion that he doesn’t play down low more, get to the line and block more shots weighs on this heavily, but lamarcus’ game has never been like that.  regardless, based on the blazers’ financial commitment, most would say that they deserve a more complete game then what they’ve received so far.

leagueminimum rating: $$$

(Source: blazers.com)