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Trail Blazers: Top Ten Moments of 2015-16

By Spencer Gordon

Apr 2, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after scoring a three point basket in the first quarter at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Cole Elsasser-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after scoring a three point basket in the first quarter at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Cole Elsasser-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 23, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guards C.J. McCollum (3) and Damian Lillard (0). Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guards C.J. McCollum (3) and Damian Lillard (0). Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

The Ten Biggest Moments of the Trail Blazers Season

The Portland Trail Blazers just put on one hell of a show. From the start of the season a year ago to now, the 2015-16 Blazers put “#they” on notice and showed the world that you don’t need money or big names to win.

In a dream season such as this, it’s hard to rank the top ten moments in terms of importance. Whether something united the team, inspired the fans, demanded respect or illustrated progress, this ranking compiles all of the biggest moments from the Trail Blazers’ season.

So we begin by taking a look in the rearview mirror…

10.) LaMarcus Aldridge’s Return to Portland

For nine years, LaMarcus Aldridge wore the red and black and Portland loved him for it. Whether it was his quiet leadership or his ability to knock down mid-range shots, The L-Train (yes I say this because he hates the nickname) gave Portland four all-star seasons, five playoff appearances and a solid NBA Superstar who was once considered the best power forward in the league.

Things ended rather ugly for the ex-Blazer. With visual carelessness, abandoning his teammates in Memphis and a slew of other chemistry troubles, Aldridge packed his bags and went home to Texas to play with his idol Tim Duncan. What ensued was a collective sigh of relief from the entire state of Oregon, as it seemed that both parties were ready to part ways.

San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12)Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12)Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

So with Damian Lillard as the team’s new leader, Portland took on the Spurs at the Moda Center in one of the three nationally televised Blazer games this season. Despite the loss, the game was remarkable for the reception given to Aldridge. For a guy who gave Portland nine remarkable years, his immature exit from the team prompted boos from every NBA fan in a 50 mile radius. It was a major stepping stone for the young Portland team, as the city of roses figuratively passed the torch to Lillard and the new team.

Next: Moments 9 & 8