The No-Look Pass recently had the opportunity to speak with NBA TV’s Andre Aldridge. Given his experience covering the NBA for a number of years, we could not have been more pleased to get some of his insight about the upcoming season.
The No-Look Pass: Hey Andre. First off, thank you for participating in this exchange with us. As you may know, we’re an LA based blog so we would like to start out with a few LA team questions: What are your thoughts on Blake Griffin’s injury?
Andre Aldridge: Heartbroken because his debut is the most anticipated for a rookie I’ve had since Lebron. But the reality is that it’s a six week prognosis now and he can come back just as strong.
TNLP: Did Dunleavy make a mistake by playing him in the preseason final?
AA: No, you can’t go 20/20 on an injury. I’ve also heard people say, “Why was he dunking in the preseason?” First, all of these guys are competitors, whether it’s a sanctioned preseason game or at someone’s house or in a gym…the only thing they know how to do is compete so I’m not going to blame Dunleavy.
TNLP: How will they do without him for six weeks?
AA: I don’t know, but their leadership which was lacking last season has to show up. I guess that’s mostly on Baron.
TNLP: Kobe Bryant has been quoted as saying, “We have the talent to win another one. If we don’t, it’s because of our lack of focus or something else or an injury here or there.” Will injuries and lack of focus slow them down or stop them from repeating this year or will it be a result of teams like the Spurs or Nuggets gaining ground on them?
AA: I don’t think the focus of this group can be questioned. I was in Boston when they suffered the most embarrassing Finals beatdown I’ve ever witnessed in Boston two years ago. As a group, their focus last season was as impressive as their production. Anything that changes them from being conference champs would be on an opponent and not their focus.
TNLP: We were surprised to see that Vince Carter made the top of the list of the GM survey “Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?” Do you agree with their choice?
AA: My choice would be Rasheed Wallace, but I can understand their feelings for Vince.
He’s joining the Eastern Conference Champions and the game’s best big man. The opportunity for him to put a real stamp on his legacy is right in his lap.
TNLP: After seeing the Celtics’ training camp, do you believe that this current Celtics team is better than their 2008 championship team?
AA: That’s a good question. I would say no, but I would add that they are completely capable of winning a championship against whomever comes out of the West. I guess that’s why Rasheed is the biggest impact in this offseason for me.
TNLP: Is Shaquille O’Neal the missing piece that the Cleveland Cavaliers have been looking for?
AA: He makes them better but I don’t think they are better than Boston and I don’t think they are better than Orlando.
TNLP: You must have been pumped up for opening night. What goes through your mind? Butterflies?
AA: Absolutely pumped up. No butterflies, just a sort of happiness that the time for talk matters less—than the action.
TNLP: We know Rick Kamla is a big T-Wolves fan. Are you a fan of any team?
AA: I don’t have a team, probably growing up in San Diego makes that a little easier. There may be some guys I root for more than others, but I understand that all 30 teams are the reason I have my job—so I give them all respect.
TNLP: Gives us some of your predictions for 2010. MVP? ROY? Defensive POY? Champion?
AA: No predictions for me, my late father wasn’t a huge sports fan but he was fun to watch games with. He’d kill the announcers, with his favorite quote being, “that man don’t know what he’s talking about no more than the man in the moon.” That’s usually in the back of my mind somewhere. So I would say, my guesses would be no more expert than yours or anyone else. My intrigue is, how will Blake Griffin respond from his injury. Brandon Roy was rookie of the year, and he missed 25 games his first year.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have had long conversations with Bill Russell, on his approach to hoops and winning. For me, winning is the only thing that matters. So what if, like Mr. Russell did before some seasons–Kobe decides to pull back on individual numbers to make sure Artest gets a taste. That will affect his numbers, and how some view him for individual awards—but it doesn’t affect his value to me, so I’d rather watch a little before guessing.
TNLP: With the Hall of Fame speech and rapper Chamillionaire’s video of being mistreated by Michael Jordan, do you think MJ’s image has been tarnished?
AA: I don’t think MJ was tarnished. That was his moment, to shine the light on himself exactly the way he felt was necessary. I’m sure he’s good with it.
TNLP: In your opinion, what are the marquee matchups that will be aired on NBA TV?
AA: Well let’s just start in chronological order–on Sunday November 1st, we’ll get things started with the Celtics and Hornets from Boston at 6pm EST. Need I say more? It’s really gonna be like that all season. I’ll be working on Saturdays, and our Nov 7th game will have the Nuggets at the Hawks. I could go on and on, but I’ll stop with Saturday Nov 21st–Wizards at Spurs. Those are just a few of our November games!
TNLP: Do you play video games? Specifically NBA 2k or NBA Live? If so, what do you think of 2k10 and Live ‘10?
AA: I’m not a video gamer.
TNLP: And last, but definitely not least, do you know John Crotty personally? We at The No-Look Pass named our podcast after him (Chronicles of Crotty) since we are fans. What is he doing nowadays? We would be forever in your debt if you could ever reach him for an interview with us.
AA: I do know John Crotty, and I love the fact that he has been immortalized by you guys. He’s been a broadcaster for the Miami Heat for a while now. We go back to when I first started out in this business. The cliff notes version of the story is he lived next door to my girlfriend, small world. When the Heat are in Atlanta I’ll remind him that he’s receiving a lot of love in cyber-space because of y’all. You guys do a great job, and that fact that you’re not only Southern Californians—but Clipper and Laker fans working together is a beautiful thing. Keep expression, and Hoop Dreams alive… Thanks.
Once again we would like to thank Andre for taking the time to chat with us. Be sure to catch him on NBA TV’s GameTime for all the latest highlights, news and analysis. You can also follow him on Twitter – @NBATVAndre
Also a special thanks goes out to Megan Bondi of Turner Sports.
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