Backup center who plays good defense and is a decent rebounder but doesn't contribute much more to the team. He's a nice pickup who should have a chance to earn a rotation spot.
I thought he could Joel Pryzbilla, who wasn't a terrible center. But he hasn't been able to crack the rotation, which is a bad sign.
He was pretty decent during pre-season. Not to mention he's only 23 yrs old, and the former 11th overall pick, really hasn't gotten a chance to show what he can do. I think he gives us a legit back-up center to Omer Asik. Personally I would like to see Jones, Motiejunas and Aldrich as the primary front line off the bench.
He is just a throw in for salary in the trade. He is a 3rd string center. He's a decent shot-blocker and rebounder, but he doesn't have great foot work on defense and picks up fouls quickly. Not a good pick and roll defender either. Plus, there is no offense in his game. I don't expect much out of him.
He's a big stiff... can't really do much offensively. He sucks even against D-league players. All young nba players dominate in the D-league. Seeing Aldrich play average and and get beat by D-league players is very telling of his talent and skill set. I wouldnt give up on him just yet, he's still young. Carrol Dawson and Mchale could help him reach his potential.
Cole Aldrich came into this season projected to be the backup to Kendrick Perkins. He was so bad in Orlando Summer League it was a shame. The precious little I saw in pre-season wasn't much more encouraging. There is a reason Presti let him go so easily. Cole will be with the Rockets this season and will either be cut or traded next summer. He's a big stiff that doesn't do anything well other than foul.
He's a decent backup who is still pretty young at 24 (on Wed). I thought he looked good against the Rockets a few weeks ago.
http://kansascity.sbnation.com/oklahoma-city-thunder/2012/10/25/3555194/cole-aldrich-nba-breakout-candidate-thunder
PreSeason Stats Cole Aldrich 6 games, 3 starts, 23.7mins, 0.552 FG%, 0.833 FT%, 2.20 Of Reb, 4.80 Def Reb, 7.00 Rebounds, 1.17 Steals, 1.67 Blocks, 1.33 TOs, 2.83 fouls, 6.2 Points Doesnt look bad at all. He can rebound, block and be a defensive presence for 10-15 MPG.
He's a good shotblocker and has good defensive instincts. He was never drafted to be an offensive player, he was drafted for his defense.
I think Cole will be better than most people think. Morey usually nabs a good player with trades that no one realizes. Cole is the player here (obviously Harden is great). Hayward will be cut, who knows if we'll keep Cook.
If he can come in and spell Asik for about 10-18 minutes, he can stay. Is that not what we are asking from a backup center?
