by: Cole RileyWith the second pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls selected LaMarcus Aldridge, forward from the University of Texas. After the third pick, which I consider the bust-of-the-decade, Adam Morrison to the Charlotte Bobcats, the Portland Trailblazers grabbed fellow forward Tyrus Thomas out of Louisiana State University, passing up on soon future Blazer Brandon Roy, All-Star Rudy Gay, Rajon Rondo, and even Renaldo Balkman! (Kidding with Balkman, obviously).
Later in that same draft, the Bulls traded Aldridge to the Blazers for Thomas and the sweet shooting assassin from Russia Viktor Khyrapa. What in the world were the Bulls thinking? Aldridge, a standout in college, and a projected fixture at the power forward spot for years to come was perfect for the Bulls who needed a running big man who could shoot well. Now some of you might be saying, “Tyrus Thomas can be a run and gun big man too!” Well tell me this, when you look at the body types, playing styles, and overall body of work of Thomas compared to Aldridge, which is more suitable for a long, prosperous NBA career? LaMarcus, of course.
Both in their fourth years in the NBA now, statistics are the only reasonable way to measure these two players against each other. Thomas has averaged 19.9 minutes per game, 7.7 ppg, 5 rpg, and 1.3 blocks. Aldridge, on the other hand, has a 15.4 scoring average with 6.8 rpg, 1.1 blocks, in 32 minutes per game. ‘Nuff aid.
This singular trade might affect the Chicago Bulls for the next 3-4 years since obtaining an athletic, sharp shooting power forward is not really that easy nowadays. The Bulls made a big mistake gambling away the future with Aldridge for an out-of-control, dysfunctional wanna-be dunk champion in Tyrus Thomas.
(Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)
No comments:
Post a Comment