Lillard's and Aldridge's relationship. (He will come back Portland one day)

[TorturedBlazerFan]

LMA can't dribble. So he actually hurts us just as much as Aminu if Stotts doesn't change how we attack Dame getting trapped. At least Love can pass and shoot the 3 better and at least dribble enough to keep the defense honest.

I just don't get how adding an inefficient player who needs touches helps an offense get better.

Oh come on, LMA hurts the offense as much as a guy who literally shot a lower ts% while being the guy that opponents literally didnt guard most of the time...

Ive said before I like Loves skillset a lot for the Blazers (at least offensively), if the package was the same Id definitely take Love over LMA.

If you dont want LMA, thats fine. I wouldn't say I “want” him, but I certainly wouldn't be upset if he ended up back here either.

 

[BonesJones]

I'd much rather have those guys than Aldridge too... But we'd have to give up a lot more to get them than I'd be willing to give up for Aldridge.

No I dont think we would for the first two. But their value exceeds their skill because of fit.

 

[ABM]

https://www.forbes.com/sites/miketo...-trail-blazers-on-and-off-court/#7da64c472fa3

If It Happens, A LaMarcus Aldridge Return Would Benefit Trail Blazers On And Off Court

A star power forward who had left the Portland Trail Blazers under a cloud of controversy returns to the team, reclaims his iconic status with Portland fans and gets his number retired.

That’s a scenario some Blazers fans have been imaging recently for LaMarcus Aldridge, but the scenario has already played out in Portland with someone Aldridge knew well: Maurice Lucas.

Lucas was the power forward and leading scorer on the Blazers’ lone championship team, in 1977, and is among the most iconic figures in franchise history. But he played for the Blazers less than four full seasons when he left in 1980 – unhappy with his contract, he was traded to the New Jersey Nets, part of the rapid disintegration of the title team that was portrayed in the classic book “Breaks of the Game” by David Halberstam.”

Lucas returned to Portland to 1987 to play one final season before retiring and moving into coaching. He stayed in Portland after leaving the team to raise him family; during that period, the franchise lost fans in droves because of players’ off-the-court “Jail Blazers” antics. Lucas returned to the franchise as an assistant coach in 2005 and served in that role until his death from cancer in 2010. The team staged a beautiful ceremony for Lucas at Memorial Coliseum, the franchise’s old arena.


Lucas’ departure and return happened in such a different era than Aldridge’s departure in 2015, when as an unrestricted free agent who had played his first nine seasons in Portland, he signed with San Antonio. Reaction in Portland, fueled by social media speed, was rough, and Aldridge is still booed when he touches the ball in games at the Moda Center.

But type “LaMarcus Aldridge” and “Trail Blazers” in any search engine today, and you will see a remarkable number of stories about the possibility of Aldridge rejoining the Blazers. The fuel behind the speculation was reporting by Jason Quick of The Athletic, to whom Aldridge, speaking of his relationship to Blazers star point guard Damian Lillard, said: “I keep telling him I’m going to come back and finish there. That’s something him and I have talked about — playing together again.” Another writer from The Athletic, Jabari Young, recently rekindled the topic.

This topic makes for perfect fodder on sports talk radio and social media – Aldridge, after all, is under contract to the Spurs, so no one who has deal-making powers with the Blazers is allowed to talk about a trade for him, handcuffed – or perhaps shielded — by NBA tampering rules.

In terms of contract, obtaining Aldridge has an attractive side for Portland as his deal with the Spurs, which will pay him $26 million in 2019-20, is only guaranteed for the 2020-21 season for $7 million until June 29, 2019, when its worth becomes a fully-guaranteed $24 million. Although he has been a very durable player in his 13 seasons, Aldridge turned 34 last week, so the Blazers will certainly not want to take on a long-term max deal for him, and having earned nearly $200 million of NBA salary, he likely no longer needs that kind of security.

In terms of basketball, Aldridge remains a force, coming off an All-Star season in which he averaged 21.3 points and 9.2 rebounds and shot 51.9 percent. Some fans worry whether he would “accept” a complementary role playing with Damian Lillard, but no coach would ever say don’t bring in a great player as I wouldn’t be able to figure out how to use him – especially as Portland coach Terry Stotts has already coached Aldridge for three seasons.

There's also a bit of healing that could be accomplished. Read through enough Twitter posts and responses on the topic, and you’ll see that Aldridge retains a lot of support from Blazers fans. He, Brandon Roy and coach Nate McMillan played the biggest roles in the Blazers’ resurrection after fans fed up with off-court antics and on-court losses abandoned the team in droves. As fans returned, Aldridge remained to carry the franchise flag after Roy’s faltering knees sent him to an early retirement and McMillan was fired in 2012.

But Aldridge’s decision to bolt for his home state – at a time when he had become the No. 2 scorer in Blazers history (he has since been passed by Lillard) – left the franchise and fans in a peculiar phase of their relationship with a player who might deserve to be ranked in the top five, certainly the top 10, of the team’s all-time great players. This era of NBA player movement might be conducive to that sort of awkwardness, but it just does not seem a Portland thing.

When Lucas returned to the franchise in 2005, he spoke about wanting the Blazers to regain respectability among fans, and Aldridge played a large role in that happening. After Lucas’ death at 58 following a long battle with bladder cancer, the Blazers established the Maurice Lucas Award, given to the player who “best represents the indomitable spirit of Maurice Lucas through his contributions on the court and in the community, as well as in support of his teammates.”

In the nine years the award has been given out, only one player has won it twice, including in the inaugural year:

LaMarcus Aldridge.

 

[hoopsjock]

Oh come on, LMA hurts the offense as much as a guy who literally shot a lower ts% while being the guy that opponents literally didnt guard most of the time...

Ive said before I like Loves skillset a lot for the Blazers (at least offensively), if the package was the same Id definitely take Love over LMA.

If you dont want LMA, thats fine. I wouldn't say I “want” him, but I certainly wouldn't be upset if he ended up back here either.

If you're main argument is that someone would be better than Aminu last year then you can say that about pretty much anybody. Aminu was awful in the playoffs.

I'm being totally serious here: I'd rather sign Melo for the minimum than give up actual assets for LMA. Melo would do everything you say LMA would do for us on offense.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

If you're main argument is that someone would be better than Aminu last year then you can say that about pretty much anybody. Aminu was awful in the playoffs.

I'm being totally serious here: I'd rather sign Melo for the minimum than give up actual assets for LMA. Melo would do everything you say LMA would do for us on offense.

It seems like were kind of all over the place...

My original position was that to me it seems like you only go after an LMA type guy if you dont believe in Zach. You said (sorry if Im misremembering) you dont think LMA can play PF anymore he’s just a center and its not about Zach to you. So I was trying to make a case that I think he can still play PF reasonably well and would be an upgrade there.

All the stuff about keeping flexibility or other options might be out there, Im not in disagreement with. You brought up that LMA hurts the offense just as much as Aminu did (I really disagree here), but maybe I interpreted your comment incorrectly.

Other than what position LMA can play and his fit Im not sure what were in disagreement on. So bringing up other options and flexibility and all that seems like a point that we actually agree on...

I have never said that I would go crazy and trade a bunch of assets for LMA, because I wouldnt.

Though I do tend to think we value picks far more than GM’s do. Considering it apparently takes like a decades worth to get a good return, it shows me the guy giving up the picks would rather have the player, and guy getting the picks wasnt willing to settle for a couple, but this is a discussion for some other thread.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Kinda feels like Tim Duncan's hiring is being ignored in all this. I have to believe that the Spurs' intention is to have Duncan focus on LA to get the most out of him these next two years. I don't think he's available unless a young replacement comes back. And honestly, I'd be afraid to see what Skal could become under Pop and TD's tutelage.

 

[Phatguysrule]

Why do people keep saying this?

Minnesota wants to clear salary cap for next summer apparently. We can help them do so.

Chicago is notoriously cheap and didn't give up anything of significance to get Porter. If they are out of the playoff picture this year why not get something for him.

Detroit is mediocre and if they are again they don't want to be saddled with Griffin's contract. I could see them cutting bait too.

And all of this is assuming the Spurs would want to just give Aldridge away. Why do people think they wouldn't ask for more since you're arguing how good LMA still is?

I didn't argue that Aldridge is good (though he is certainly capable). I wouldn't be willing to give up a productive player for him.

 

[Strenuus]

Kinda feels like Tim Duncan's hiring is being ignored in all this. I have to believe that the Spurs' intention is to have Duncan focus on LA to get the most out of him these next two years. I don't think he's available unless a young replacement comes back. And honestly, I'd be afraid to see what Skal could become under Pop and TD's tutelage.

So much this.

Thankfully, LMA isnt coming back.

 

[Phatguysrule]

No I dont think we would for the first two. But their value exceeds their skill because of fit.

Well I'm all for it then. If we can pick one of those guys up for expiring deals and/or guys who don't play, I say go for it. I'm not willing to give up more than that for Aldridge.

 

[e_blazer]

Kinda feels like Tim Duncan's hiring is being ignored in all this. I have to believe that the Spurs' intention is to have Duncan focus on LA to get the most out of him these next two years. I don't think he's available unless a young replacement comes back. And honestly, I'd be afraid to see what Skal could become under Pop and TD's tutelage.

Or, the Spurs figure you can't teach a dog as old as LA new tricks, plan on trading him while they can still get something out of him, and have brought Duncan on to school the new front line players.

 

[PDXFonz]

I’d love to have Aldridge back. Presuming we don’t give up too much to get him back, I think you are crazy/biased if you don’t want him back.

The way I see it, it is all contingent upon a few factors.

1. Whitesides fit here, and the probability of his long term commitment to the franchise.
2. Nurks recovery progress and ability to be as productive for us as he was prior to injury.
3. Dame/CJs willingness to have him back
4. Aldridge’s willingness to fill the role he is asked to fill, not the one he may want to fill.

Now if Whiteside does not fit as hoped, or he makes it clear he wishes to depart in FA then I would say a Whiteside for LA swap is well within the realm of possibilities.

Likewise if Nurk comes back and is able to contribute as he has, even if in limited minutes, then I believe regardless of where we are with Whiteside(unless he is playing the best ball of his career) that a Whiteside - LA swap is again in the realm of possibilities.

As for #3 and #4, I don’t think Dame or CJ would have any problem welcoming LA back, so long as #4 is met; which would mean that Aldridge has to be part of the bigger whole, that Dame and CJ don’t have to change ‘what they do’ in order to acclimate Aldridge into the picture.

For #4 I don’t think LA would have a problem if his role here wasn’t exactly the same as before. That he isn’t “the guy” per say, but he’s “the guy” in the sense that he is a key piece for a championship caliber team.


Let’s be honest here... If Nurk is healthy being Nurk, and we add LA as well; then our S5 of Dame-CJ-Hood-Aldridge-Nurkic WOULD be a championship contending team for years. A well balanced S5 in terms of defense and offense, floor spacing and options for where/who to go to in offensive sets.


All in all, I think it makes more sense for Aldridge to return in FA than it is for him to return as part of a trade. But I do think we would be the undisputed #1 on his list if he ever leaves SA. Perhaps at that point we could have him on a ‘favorable’ contract as well.

I do think it is highly probable that we will see LA in a rip city jersey again some day. Book it!

 

[BonesJones]

I’d love to have Aldridge back. Presuming we don’t give up too much to get him back, I think you are crazy/biased if you don’t want him back.

The way I see it, it is all contingent upon a few factors.

1. Whitesides fit here, and the probability of his long term commitment to the franchise.
2. Nurks recovery progress and ability to be as productive for us as he was prior to injury.
3. Dame/CJs willingness to have him back
4. Aldridge’s willingness to fill the role he is asked to fill, not the one he may want to fill.

Now if Whiteside does not fit as hoped, or he makes it clear he wishes to depart in FA then I would say a Whiteside for LA swap is well within the realm of possibilities.

Likewise if Nurk comes back and is able to contribute as he has, even if in limited minutes, then I believe regardless of where we are with Whiteside(unless he is playing the best ball of his career) that a Whiteside - LA swap is again in the realm of possibilities.

As for #3 and #4, I don’t think Dame or CJ would have any problem welcoming LA back, so long as #4 is met; which would mean that Aldridge has to be part of the bigger whole, that Dame and CJ don’t have to change ‘what they do’ in order to acclimate Aldridge into the picture.

For #4 I don’t think LA would have a problem if his role here wasn’t exactly the same as before. That he isn’t “the guy” per say, but he’s “the guy” in the sense that he is a key piece for a championship caliber team.


Let’s be honest here... If Nurk is healthy being Nurk, and we add LA as well; then our S5 of Dame-CJ-Hood-Aldridge-Nurkic WOULD be a championship contending team for years. A well balanced S5 in terms of defense and offense, floor spacing and options for where/who to go to in offensive sets.


All in all, I think it makes more sense for Aldridge to return in FA than it is for him to return as part of a trade. But I do think we would be the undisputed #1 on his list if he ever leaves SA. Perhaps at that point we could have him on a ‘favorable’ contract as well.

I do think it is highly probable that we will see LA in a rip city jersey again some day. Book it!

You called people who dont want him as "Biased/crazy" then failed to discuss how his skillset would fit within the concept of the team which those who dont want him back are doing at a detailed level. So you can want him back, but it's silly to call us biased or crazy.

I want 4 things in our starting forwards
- Good, consistent 3pt shooting
- Good, versatile defense
- Able to make plays off the dribble
- Are young or still in their prime

Aldridge doesnt check off a single one of those boxes. Meanwhile, Porter and Griffin check off three and Otto Porter Jr. checks off all 4.

Even Kevin Love checks off 2 of those. Obviously contracts and injuries matter too, but it makes 0 sense to give up assets for a 34-year old who doesnt have any of those skills. It makes no sense to sign a 35-year-old to be our starting PF when he doesn't have any of those skills.

That starting lineup is no better than the starting lineup we'll have next season assuming Collins continues improving. Let alone two seasons from now.

 

[CupWizier]

You called people who dont want him as "Biased/crazy" then failed to discuss how his skillset would fit within the concept of the team which those who dont want him back are doing at a detailed level. So you can want him back, but it's silly to call us biased or crazy.

I want 4 things in our starting forwards
- Good, consistent 3pt shooting
- Good, versatile defense
- Able to make plays off the dribble
- Are young or still in their prime

Aldridge doesnt check off a single one of those boxes. Meanwhile, Porter and Griffin check off three and Otto Porter Jr. checks off all 4.

Even Kevin Love checks off 2 of those. Obviously contracts and injuries matter too, but it makes 0 sense to give up assets for a 34-year old who doesnt have any of those skills. It makes no sense to sign a 35-year-old to be our starting PF when he doesn't have any of those skills.

That starting lineup is no better than the starting lineup we'll have next season assuming Collins continues improving. Let alone two seasons from now.

Your wants are irrelevant to both Stotts and Olshey though. They might be looking as other qualities than what you want. Didn't seem to hamper Denver last year with a PF that is older than Aldridge. I haven't seen anyone say they would like to sign Aldridge to a long term contract either. He has 2 years left on his contract and it can either propel us up and if it doesn't, he's a tradable asset in the off season or before the following season's deadline. He also just came off one of his best seasons as well and can stretch the floor just fine with his outside shooting out to the 3 point line.

 

[BonesJones]

Your wants are irrelevant to both Stotts and Olshey though. They might be looking as other qualities than what you want. Didn't seem to hamper Denver last year with a PF that is older than Aldridge. I haven't seen anyone say they would like to sign Aldridge to a long term contract either. He has 2 years left on his contract and it can either propel us up and if it doesn't, he's a tradable asset in the off season or before the following season's deadline. He also just came off one of his best seasons as well and can stretch the floor just fine with his outside shooting out to the 3 point line.

Thanks captain obvious.

And Millsap can shoot and make plays off the dribble and Jokic can shoot too.

His mid-range shot isnt an efficient one. Less than 1 PPP on those.

 

[B-Roy]

I’m just gonna put this here...

 

[Orion Bailey]

I’m just gonna put this here...

Fantastic!!! Lol

 

[PDXFonz]

I’m just gonna put this here...

Love and Aldridge to Portland confirmed... wait what?!?

 

[Haakzilla]

...rumor has it Lillard just started following Aldridge on Twitter moments ago, FWIW

 

[Labinot41]

 

[Labinot41]

He will definetly come back

 

[B-Roy]

That's cool, but he also straight up told Lillard he wants to come back.

 

[Labinot41]

That's cool, but he also straight up told Lillard he wants to come back.

Yes i know, i'm just bored haha

 

[Labinot41]

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Great this threads back, @hoopsjock and I can use it to argue about trades for Iggy some more.

 

[Scalma]

As far as teams that could pop up as potential Aldridge suitors, HoopsHype asked various NBA executives for their thoughts on the matter, and one of the first landing spots that was mentioned was a familiar team for the big man: “The Portland Trail Blazers could make sense,” a Western Conference exec told us. “Would Portland give up Hassan Whiteside plus Zach Collinsor a pick?”
https://hoopshype.com/2019/12/01/lamarcus-aldridge-trade-value/

Whiteside and a first sounds about right. I’d do it in a second.

 

[julius]

I wouldn't include Collins, mostly because I don't think LaMarcus is worth it.

 

[wizenheimer]

 

[riverman]

Y'know....I uh...y'know..? Pops has LA playing defense and blocking shots last two seasons...I like Melo's game at the 4...I like Zach....tough call. If they wanted to move LA and Patty Mills then I'd be strongly considering it...Patty Mills would help us a lot..

 

[BigGameDamian]

Y'know....I uh...y'know..? Pops has LA playing defense and blocking shots last two seasons...I like Melo's game at the 4...I like Zach....tough call. If they wanted to move LA and Patty Mills then I'd be strongly considering it...Patty Mills would help us a lot..

Whiteside & Collins for Aldridge & Mills works on the ESPN Trade Machine!

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Fuck that quitter. We would have been solid contenders the past few years if he didnt try to ride the spurs gravy train.