AP

Phoenix Suns Amare Stoudemire breaks up a pass to Portland Trail Blazers LaMarcus Aldridge (12) in the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 18, 2008, in Portland, Ore.

PORTLAND, Ore. - Trail Blazer LaMarcus Aldridge has come a long way this season.

His minutes tell the story for him: He's now playing an average 34.3 minutes per game, up from 22.1 last season.

And he's been especially strong ever since the All-Star break, including nine games with 20 or more points.

In the 20-games since the All-Star break through last week, Aldridge averaged 19.6 points and seven rebounds while shooting 50.8 percent from the field.

Blazers officials think Aldridge is a candidate for the league's most improved player award, which is voted on by a panel of media representatives.

Other potential candidates include Orlando's Hedo Turkoglu, Indiana forward Danny Granger, Minnesota forward Al Jefferson and Sacramento guard Beno Udrih.