There is no doubt LaMarcus Aldridge was a very good player for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Before signing with the San Antonio Spurs, Aldridge had spent the first nine years of his career in Portland. Along the way, he became a four-time All-Star and was named to three All-NBA teams while a member of the Blazers. Needless to say, Aldridge was one of the top big men in the league over the past decade while in Portland.
Although Aldridge certainly garnered the statistics and the accomplishments, he could never quite lead the Blazers to much postseason success. Michael Erler of SB Nation points out how Portland has gone as far into the playoffs without the big man as they ever did during his nine seasons with the Blazers:
While the team certainly made its share of postseason appearances during the Aldridge era, the skilled big man only lifted the team out of the first round just once (2014).
Aldridge is certainly having plenty of success while co-leading the Spurs with Kawhi Leonard. However, it is very telling how the Blazers have managed to accomplish just as much with Damian Lillard as the clear leader of the franchise.
Follow Us
Subscribe
