Top PF going into 2012-2013, #7 LaMarcus Aldridge

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We continue our countdown of the top power forwards heading into the 2012-2013 NBA season with LaMarcus Aldridge of the Portland Trailblazers. Aldridge had a breakout season, culminating in an All Star team selection (his first). He averaged 21.7 PPG 8.0 RPG on a very efficient 51% FG. Quite frankly this should have been his second straight all star selection. Aldridge is a very skilled player, he's an underrated athlete and is freakishly long, it also doesnt hurt to have a legit 6-11 height.
Aldridge is not a power player, he is a finesse forward and a matchup nightmare. He is a great low post player, he fights for position well and understands the importance of shooting inside the painted area. He has a polished low post repertoire which begins with his positioning. Rarely do you see Aldridge catch the basketball too far out of the paint, he is usually one or two dribbles away. He has an established baby hook shot, a good up and under and loves to spin baseline where he uses his length to get off a quality shot. In addition, he gets lots of easy basket mainly on using positioning to get point blank baskets.  These type of easy baskets is what makes Aldridge unique in that he can rack up points quickly and quietly.
Aldridge also has a good mid range jumpshot which helps keep defenders honest and not play off of him. This makes Aldridge a very good pick and roll/pop player, he can set the screen and pop out to comfortably hit the jumpshot, he has a good form and a high release. When he rolls do not expect an above the rim play, but he is very crafty around the rim with both hands. Another good asset of his jumpshot is that it is a very high release similar to that of Kevin Garnett's. In that play you notice several good things, he catches the ball inside the paint which is where you want your bigs to take the majority of their shots. Afterwards he takes a turn around jumpshot using his length to get it off comfortably. Here, Perkins plays Aldridge beautifully, he kept him out of the paint and forced him into a tough shot by denying him driving lanes, but Aldridge's length still allows him to take a shot he knows he can make. You cant teach length and size, and Aldridge knows how to use his.
Now, Aldridge is an average defender and thats putting it pretty. This past season he did not average a single block (0.8 BPG). Aldridge has the talent and physical gifts to be an elite defender, with his height and length there is no reason why he should not be averaging at least 1.5 BPG. He's quick enough on his feet to be a very good one on one defender and his length guarantees him the ability to contest most shots. Aldridge also averaged a very not impressive 8.0 rebounds a game this past season. Aldridge is a great offensive player, but his lack of work on the boards and defensive end are holding him back from climbing on this list and being a perennial all star.  His offensive production is not enough to offset his lackluster defense if he wants to climb on this list. If he does, Aldridge has the potential to be a top 5 PF in this league.
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