NBA Player Power Rankings: Hey Now, You’re An All-Star

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Feb 11, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers forward Ed Davis (21) during the first quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

6. LaMarcus Aldridge (Portland Trail Blazers)

Despite suffering a thumb injury, LaMarcus Aldridge has decided to play through the pain and delay surgery until the end of the season. Surprisingly so, he has decided to participate in the All-Star proceedings. Typically, you’d expect a player dealing with an injury to withdraw from the All-Star Game, considering it’s just an exhibition match.

Such selflessness is hardly seen from a player in this recent day and age, where we are constantly reminded that the NBA is a business at the end of the day.

Aldridge will be making his fourth consecutive All-Star appearance, and many will feel as though he deserved to be named a starter over Los Angeles Clipper Blake Griffin. He is averaging 23.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game – impressive numbers for a forward who is as versatile offensively as they come.

Now the franchise leader in career double-doubles, the number of All-Star appearances will serve to pad his already impressive resume for when we turn back the clock and look at the Portland Trail Blazer legend that is LaMarcus Aldridge.

Next: M. Gasol