NBA Player Power Rankings: Who's Hot, Who's Not?

NBA Player Power Rankings: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not?

January 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after shooting a three-point shot during the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Hornets 111-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 12, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) celebrates with the bench during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Spurs win 109-99. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mention: LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs

Last Rank: N/A

Position: Power Forward

Age: 30

Slash Line: .489/.000/.794

Season Averages: 29.8 MPG, 16.2 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.7 ORPG, 1.3 APG, 0.9 BPG

Verdict: Hot

For the better part of the past five years, LaMarcus Aldridge has been regarded as one of the best players in the NBA. He took his game to another level in 2013-14 and 2014-15, emerging as a respected postseason performer while receive his second and third career All-NBA honors.

As of late, he’s looked like the Aldridge of old again.

The 30-year-old power forward may never rediscover his star-caliber production in the San Antonio Spurs’ team-first system, but that’s not the end-all, be-all. When his number has been called, he’s answered with a slew of powerful performances.

That was no more clear than over the past week.

Aldridge had 16 points and nine rebounds in a 100-99 escape of the New York Knicks, including two big buckets in the fourth quarter. He then posted 25 points and 11 rebounds on 12-of-17 shooting in a 106-79 drubbing of the Brooklyn Nets, and had 22 points and 13 boards in a 109-99 win over the Detroit Pistons.

If Aldridge continues to perform at this level, he’ll be back in the Top 20 in no time.

Next: Becoming a Genuine Star