Move out of the way, LeBron James. Clear room, Stephen Curry. Not now, Kevin Durant.
The star of this postseason has been LaMarcus Aldridge, the dynamic 6-foot-11 forward who has led the Trail Blazers to a 2-0 series led against the favored Rockets in the best-of-seven, opening-round series.
The eighth-year pro, a three-time All-Star, has been a breakout sensation early in the playoffs, hammering the Rockets to the tune of two 40-point performances — 46 in the opener and 43 in Game 2. He’s made a ridiculous 35 of 59 shot attempts, two 3-pointers, 17 of 21 free throws, in addition to snaring 26 rebounds.
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“He’s making tough shots, he’s getting to the foul line. He’s offensive rebounding,” Houston guard James Harden said, according to AP. “He’s doing the whole package and it’s tough for us.”
Because he plays in Portland and hadn’t reached the playoffs since 2011, Aldridge has been an overlooked star despite career averages of 18.9 points and 8.2 rebounds. He was phenomenal this season, tallying 23.2 and 11.1 per night, foreshadowing this brilliant start to the playoffs.
Here’s the kicker: Aldridge was drafted with a 2006 first-round selection the Knicks traded away in the infamous Eddy Curry deal. The Bulls took Aldridge second overall before trading his draft rights to the Trail Blazers for Tyus Thomas, who was drafted No. 4, and Viktor Khryapa.