Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trailblazers: Who Has The Edge?
By Mike Dill
Jan 25, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) is defended by Portland Trail Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. Golden State defeated Portland 101-93. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports
Power Forward
Warriors: David Lee, Marreese Speights, Draymond Green
Trailblazers: LaMarcus Aldridge, Thomas Robinson
As has been the trend so far, the power forward position is also an intriguing matchup. David Lee and LaMarcus Aldridge are two of the best power forwards in the league, but who is better? The answer isn’t easy to find.
If I try to ignore my bias towards the Warriors, I would say LaMarcus Aldridge is the better player – but it’s close.
Both players have phenomenal offensive games. They can put up as many points as their teams need them to and they can always surprise you with their offensive moves. David Lee can finish with either hand and can drive on defenders better than almost any other power forward. Both have great range for bigs, but Aldridge’s range extends further out and his jump shot is a little better.
Both players are great rebounders, but David Lee has consistently pulled down more per game. Lee has averaged double digit rebounds four times in his career compared to zero for Aldridge. People tend to overlook Lee when they think of the best rebounders in the league, but he is definitely on the list.
Lee’s biggest weakness is a pretty big weakness – it comprises half of the game of basketball. I’m talking about defense. Lee is just a bad defender and that really limits him (and his team). Aldridge is a much better defender and shot blocker. Although Lee is a great rebounder, his ineptness on the defensive end makes Aldridge the better player.