January 24, 2008

Hornets.com caught up with second-year power forward LaMarcus Aldridge prior to Wednesday’s game at the New Orleans Arena:

Hornets.com: What is the main factor that led to the Trail Blazers’ great run after getting off to such a slow start at 5-12?
Aldridge: Just gelling together and guys understanding the offense. You know, we had a whole new team this year, so I think just going through that losing streak and fighting to get through it helped.

Hornets.com: Are you looking forward to the opportunity to come back to New Orleans in a few weeks to participate in the Rookie-Sophomore Game during All-Star Weekend?
Aldridge: Oh yeah, I think that is an honor. If I am invited I would definitely look forward to it and I would just try to come down here and have fun.

Hornets.com: Brandon Roy has been a big part of the success in Portland. What are your thoughts on his chances to make the All-Star Game?
Aldridge: I think he has a pretty good chance. He has been a leader the whole way for us, so I think if people look at everything he has done he might just get in.

Hornets.com: I read that your favorite player is Kevin Garnett. What do you think of the impact he has made and the job he is doing with the Celtics?
Aldridge: (My favorite player) used to be Kevin Garnett. Now it’s myself! [laughs] That was back when I was in high-school! But he’s done real good and he is out there leading them every night and giving them what they need. If Paul Pierce and Ray Allen aren’t making shots, he comes through for them. He’s doing a great job.

Hornets.com: You were able to spend some time on the court with Greg Oden during NBA Summer League. What are some things about his game that will surprise people when gets back on the court?
Aldridge: Honestly, we really don’t know yet. Summer League, that’s different you know. I know that he can block shots, is a big guy down low, he has pretty good post moves, so I think he can be that down low guy for us that keeps everything out of the paint. I think he will be able to come in and gel with the team because he doesn’t need a lot of shots to be good for us. He can block shots, get rebounds and do all the small things so that will be good for us.

Hornets.com: Lastly, which Texas Longhorns pair would win in a game of two-on-two: LaMarcus Aldridge and Daniel Gibson or D.J. Augustin and Kevin Durant?
Aldridge: Me and Gibson, come on now! First of all, who is gonna guard me down low? And then I think Gibson probably shoots it better than D.J., so when they come and double me I’ll just kick it outside to Gibson.