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NBA Player Power Rankings: The Final Push For MVP

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) hands off the ball in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Thunder defeated the Nuggets 124-102. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) hands off the ball in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Thunder defeated the Nuggets 124-102. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) defends against San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first quarter at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) defends against San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first quarter at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

14. LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs

Last Rank: No. 14

Position: Power Forward

Age: 30

Slash Line: .515/.000/.860

Season Averages: 30.7 MPG, 18.1 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.4 ORPG, 1.5 APG, 1.1 BPG

The 65-12 San Antonio Spurs are only the slightest step behind the 69-9 Golden State Warriors. The foundation for the Spurs’ success is the well-rounded nature of the rotation, and the deep and storied coaching staff that’s crafting and cultivating it.

The star of the show has been Kawhi Leonard, but it’s LaMarcus Aldridge who has helped provided the interior balance to help San Antonio re-emerge as the powerhouse it is.

Aldridge’s numbers may not jump off the page, but his efficiency is nothing short of remarkable. To average 21.3 points per 36 minutes on 51.5 percent shooting is impressive unto itself, but to have a big man convert 86.0 percent of his free throws is invaluable.

In an era during which interior players are routinely exposed by the hack-a-Shaq, Aldridge is an elite free throw shooter—regardless of his position.

The 30-year-old went off for 31 points and 15 rebounds as the Spurs pulled out a 102-95 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He then tallied 14 points, seven rebounds, and four steals on 7-of-13 shooting against the Utah Jazz, all the while holding rising star Derrick Favors to just eight points and four rebounds in 27 minutes.

Aldridge is a member of the Top 15 for the second consecutive week, and he should close the season out in this range.

Next: The Wizard of Washington