The Trailblazers have just locked up 24-year old power forward LaMarcus Aldridge to a long term contract. Aldridge played in 81 games for the Blazers last season and he averaged 37.1 minutes, 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. He could up his scoring average if the Blazers needed him to but they likely won’t. 36-year old Juwan Howard will likely start the season as Aldridge’s back up at power forward. He played in 42 games for the Nuggets & Bobcats last season in which he averaged 11.2 minutes, 4.1 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game. The Blazers likely would take those averages out of Howard this season and be happy with it. 22-year old Jeff Pendergraph was the first pick of the 2nd round by the Kings. He came over in the Sergio Rodriguez trade with the Kings. He is 6′9″, 240 pounds and he has a nose for the basketball off the rim and backboard. 22-year old Dante Cunningham will also be in line for playing time at power forward this season. He was the 3rd pick of the 2nd round of the NBA Draft last June out of Villanova.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE POWER FORWARDS IN 2009-2010: B