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NBA Player Power Rankings: Change of the Guard

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 16, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) steals the ball from New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Kings 123-108. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) steals the ball from New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Kings 123-108. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 15, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) shoots the ball over Los Angeles Clippers power forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (12) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) shoots the ball over Los Angeles Clippers power forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (12) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

19. LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs

Last Rank: Honorable Mention

Position: Power Forward

Age: 30

Slash Line: .507/.000/.857

Season Averages: 30.4 MPG, 17.7 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.3 ORPG, 1.5 APG, 1.1 BPG

It was a long and painfully inconsistent struggle, but LaMarcus Aldridge has finally come into his own as a centerpiece for the San Antonio Spurs. The five-time All-Star is looking like himself again, scoring at will and becoming a more reliable force on the boards.

There’s plenty of work to be done, but if this is the type of player who Aldridge will be in the playoffs, the Spurs could give the Golden State Warriors a run for their money.

Over his past 21 games, Aldridge is averaging 21.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks on 54.9 percent shooting from the field. He’s up to 23.2 points and 9.4 boards on 55.0 percent shooting during the Spurs’ past 10 games, with the team going 8-1 during the nine outings he played in.

In a system that’s designed to prevent hero ball, Aldridge is still getting his numbers with remarkable efficiency.

Aldridge’s offensive resurgence has helped San Antonio’s offense begin to live up to its full potential. At 57-10 with a perfect 33-0 mark at home, it’s safe to say that his impact has been felt in a major way as one of just two Spurs players averaging at least 30 minutes per game.

For what it’s worth, Aldridge is No. 10 in the NBA in Win Shares per 48 minutes.

Next: Wasted Greatness?