As Blazers drop, Aldridge stands tall

In the 18 games since Roy has been sidelined, Aldridge has averaged 25.9 points on 53.7 percent shooting along with 10.1 rebounds per game. He scored a career-high 37 against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Jan. 17, and credits his improved explosiveness and physicality to weight lifting and better training after a lackluster performance in last season’s playoffs.

Even with all the injuries, Aldridge is confident he can help carry the Blazers into the playoffs.

“It’s a lot on me right now,” he said. “But I think if I continue to do what I’m doing – playing solid, being that guy down low and playing with confidence – everything should be OK.”

Were Aldridge actually listed as a center, his strong play would make it easier for him to make the Western Conference All-Star team. Instead, he’s competing with a long line of talented forwards including Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Loveand Blake Griffin. Aldridge figures the last spot on the roster could come down to him, Love or Griffin, and he isn’t optimistic about his chances – even if he’s the only one of the three playing for a winning team.

“I don’t think they are going to pick me,” Aldridge said. “You got Kevin Love, who is the leading rebounder. You got Blake Griffin, who’s a dunkfest highlight show. If they keep the [unspoken] rule of teams about .500, I should be there. I think this will be the first year they take guys with losing records.”

With so much unknown about the Blazers’ future, Aldridge has become one of the few bright spots for the franchise.

“I’m a Trail Blazer until they get rid of me,” Aldridge said. “We’re just going through a really tough time right now, but we should bounce back.”