#TBT- LaMarcus Aldridge, PF-C, San Antonio Spurs
@Hoover__26 March 3
The San Antonio Spurs and fantasy usually go together like gasoline and matches (despite the Spurs being much too boring for either of those items). They have a stifling defense that renders most opponents un-playable, and their combination of veteran (and by veteran I mean just plain old) players and inconsistent court time make it hard to trust a Spurs player on any day. However, with the addition of this former Portland star (and current #TBT), the Spurs have a reliable big man with elite skills both in and out of the post, as well as a fantasy stud.
Aldridge started the season a little slow, but the 30 year old has picked up the pace of late. He is averaging 17 points and 8.4 rebounds on the year, however his scoring over the last fifteen games has been 2.2 points per game higher than his yearly average. He has averaged nearly 36 DK points per game this season, and over 32 espn.com fantasy points per game. He also has 92 espn.com fantasy points combined in just his last pair of games, including a game against Houston where he pulled in 16 boards. Aldridge’s rebounding hasn’t quite been what it was in Portland, but he still averages an impressive .524 PPFP (points per fantasy point). For reference, someone like Paul George averages .545 PPFP (remember, the lower the better in this stat).
When you talk about bigs who can shoot, a few names instantly come to mind; Dirk, Anthony Davis, Pau Gasol and Paul Millsap, just to name a few (notice how many of them are veterans). However, Aldridge should certainly be right at the very top of that list. Aldridge’s shooting percentage from the top of the key is 1.4% above league average, his 42 ¾% from the wings is also well above the norm (statmuse.com). He also shoots 37% from the right corner (if you are looking at an aerial view, with the basket closest to you), which is his hottest spot from long range. Couple that with a interior FG% north of 60 percent, and you are looking at a multi-dimensional big man.
This week’s #TBT is a veteran presence on the court, and his wide range of skills make him a must-have in the NBA, as well as your fantasy league.
Aldridge started the season a little slow, but the 30 year old has picked up the pace of late. He is averaging 17 points and 8.4 rebounds on the year, however his scoring over the last fifteen games has been 2.2 points per game higher than his yearly average. He has averaged nearly 36 DK points per game this season, and over 32 espn.com fantasy points per game. He also has 92 espn.com fantasy points combined in just his last pair of games, including a game against Houston where he pulled in 16 boards. Aldridge’s rebounding hasn’t quite been what it was in Portland, but he still averages an impressive .524 PPFP (points per fantasy point). For reference, someone like Paul George averages .545 PPFP (remember, the lower the better in this stat).
When you talk about bigs who can shoot, a few names instantly come to mind; Dirk, Anthony Davis, Pau Gasol and Paul Millsap, just to name a few (notice how many of them are veterans). However, Aldridge should certainly be right at the very top of that list. Aldridge’s shooting percentage from the top of the key is 1.4% above league average, his 42 ¾% from the wings is also well above the norm (statmuse.com). He also shoots 37% from the right corner (if you are looking at an aerial view, with the basket closest to you), which is his hottest spot from long range. Couple that with a interior FG% north of 60 percent, and you are looking at a multi-dimensional big man.
This week’s #TBT is a veteran presence on the court, and his wide range of skills make him a must-have in the NBA, as well as your fantasy league.