Knicks: Top Free Agency Targets After Goran Dragic Trade
Feb 8, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) smiles after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Trail Blazers defeated the Rockets 109-98. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Position: Power Forward
Age: 29
2014-15 Slash Line: .463/.424/.873
2014-15 Season Averages: 36.0 MPG, 23.6 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.1 BPG, 0.8 SPG
Offensively, the No. 1 pending unrestricted free agent is Portland Trail Blazers star LaMarcus Aldridge. The 29-year-old is not only a dynamic scorer, but he’s a menace on the boards and an underrated playmaker.
Analogically speaking, Aldridge can be the Pau Gasol of the triangle offense.
Much like Gasol was with the Los Angeles Lakers under head coach Phil Jackson, Aldridge can be the pinch-post maestro in New York. He can also flash to the low block, a la Gasol, and take over games as a scorer.
With a lethal mid-range game and a strong low-post attack, the Knicks would have the interior force necessary to properly execute the system.
Most importantly, Aldridge told Tommy Beer of BasketballInsiders.com that he’d love to play in New York City.
“I think playing (in New York) is awesome. The fans are very loyal. And they’re honest.” LaMarcus Aldridge (con't)
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) February 14, 2015
Aldridge continued:
More L Aldridge talking about NYC: “I think anyone would love playing here in this city. This is the basketball capital.”
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) February 14, 2015
Between Aldridge and Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks would have one of the best offensive duos in the NBA. Both are good for upwards of 20 points per game and each can create their own shots.
The experiment with Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire didn’t pan out, but that was mainly due to injuries. With the proper system, as the Triangle Offense is, New York would see superior results.
Aldridge is in the prime of his career and has a game that doesn’t depend on athleticism, which makes him a worthy long-term investment.
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