LaMarcus Aldridge and the 5 Most Under-Appreciated Players in the NBA
Certain players are given too much credit while others aren't given enough. It's just the nature of the game. This article highlights some of the players who compete for their respective teams night in and night out and never get the attention that others are given.
There are many explanations for why certain players fly under the radar. Whether they play for a small market, have certain intangibles that make them less likely to stand out, or are just easy to dislike, some players just don't get enough recognition.
In this slideshow, we'll count down the five players who I believe are the most under-appreciated in the league.
5. Ramon Sessions
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According to almost everyone, the Cleveland Cavaliers should just start from scratch and rebuild their team through free agency and the draft. J.J. Hickson is an intriguing prospect and Baron Davis provides somewhat of a spark, but other than that there isn't much about Cleveland’s roster to get excited about.
That is, unless you open your eyes to the Midwest sensation, Ramon Sessions.
Bouncing around from team to team, Sessions has never really had a long-term job where he could demonstrate his abilities. He set a franchise record for most assists in a game with Milwaukee, made a pit stop in Minnesota, and then was almost immediately shipped to Cleveland, where he put up some big numbers. Sessions started almost every game for the Cavs in January and averaged 19.9 ppg and 8.8 apg. Cleveland is reportedly planning to take Kyrie Irving with their number one draft pick, and it's too bad that Cleveland is already considering moving Sessions to make room.
4. Zach Randolph
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At the beginning of the season, Randolph probably would have ranked first on this list. However, the Grizzlies Cinderella story has put him on the map, and he's starting to be recognized for the solid player he is. Randolph is the only current player to average 20 points and 10 rebounds a game every year over the past 3 seasons, but he only has one All-Star appearance to show for it.
Randolph and Marc Gasol combine for what could be the best frontcourt in the Western conference. Both players still have plenty of years left in the league as well, so expect more inside domination as long as Gasol decides to re-sign with Memphis. Randolph has completed his tour of both coasts and has spent time in between, with stops in Los Angeles, New York, and Portland, but he really seems to have made a home in Memphis. Let’s hope that he can keep this small, blue-collar franchise in playoff contention.
3. Raymond Felton
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Raymond Felton proved his worth after signing a lucrative contract with New York prior to the 2010 season. He thrived in Mike D’Antoni’s system and put up career highs in both points per game (17.1), and assists per game (9.0). The Knicks were in the playoff race with Felton as the floor general, but the organization was quick to let him go (and other young assets) in order to obtain Carmelo Anthony. Once Felton arrived in Denver, some thought he shouldn't even unpack his bags, as he'd likely on the move again soon.
Felton has yet to be traded, but it would not come as a surprise if he was this offseason. Denver has made it clear that Ty Lawson is their point guard of the future, and Felton is merely a trade chip. It’s unfortunate that he had such a rocky year in the prime of his career. Hopefully, Felton will find a home with a team that recognizes him for what he's worth.
2. Luol Deng
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Luol Deng logs more minutes than any other player on the Bulls, and with good reason. When Carlos Boozer was signed during the offseason, most thought Rose, Noah, and Boozer would be regarded as the Bulls “big three.” Deng ignored the oversight, and responded with what most would consider the best season of his career. Coach Tom Thibideau constantly praises Deng's defense, which was tested in the playoffs against two of the best offensive small forwards in the league (LeBron James and Danny Granger).
Deng had a rough year last year after Ben Gordon left town, and the Bulls front office has dealt with criticism for not signing Gordon instead. As important an offensive threat as Gordon was for the Bulls, Deng makes up for his absence with his defensive prowess. It isn't as flashy, and maybe that's why Deng continues to fly under the radar.
1. LaMarcus Aldridge
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LaMarcus Aldridge played great at All-Star weekend this year. Oh wait, that's in a fair world.
Considered by many to be the biggest snub of the year, Aldridge still didn't hold any resentment for being left out of the All-Star game. The pressure of taking over as the number one scoring option in Portland after Brandon Roy's injury problems never slowed Aldridge down. He finished the year in stride, keeping the Blazers in the playoff race despite injuries to the team’s key players while maintaining impressive statistics.
With Brandon Roy still fighting to play at his pre-injury level of basketball and Greg Oden heading into free agency, LaMarcus Aldridge will likely remain the pillar of Portland's franchise next year. Aldridge keeps improving every year, so it's getting hard to figure out when he'll hit his ceiling. If he continues to improve his game next season, he'll be impossible to ignore.
