The Four Quarters: What we learned about the Trail Blazers 5/7-5/19

We’re in the thick of it, people. The off-season is here for all but four teams and following last night’s draft lottery, teams such as the Los Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves are focusing on which ‘can’t miss’ prospect will transform their franchise. While Trail Blazer fans aren’t unfamiliar with the agonizing feelings of the lottery process, this year’s off-season has largely been focused on who might be leaving Portland as opposed to who might be added to the already strong roster. While we wait for the wild few months that is NBA free agency, let’s take a look back at the news involving the Trail Blazers over the past two weeks.

1. DeAndre Jordan a Trail Blazer?

Mike Richman penned an interesting article that broke down the possibility of Jordan bolting from the bright (at times harsh) lights of Los Angeles for a new start with his former General Manager Neil Olshey in the Rose City. The move would be an instant upgrade at the center position over current starter Robin Lopez, and the defensive impact Jordan would have could considerably improve Portland’s position when the next post-season comes around. The downfall of signing Jordan you ask? The Blazers would have to be willing to part with all of their free agents with the exception of LaMarcus Aldridge.

So essentially it comes down to deciding between a player who is consistently one of the larger defensive presences in the league, and Robin Lopez, Wesley Matthews, and a host of other significant role players from this year’s roster. While the thought of watching Jordan throw down monstrous dunks off of lobs from Damian Lillard would leave most fans salivating, I don’t find it very plausible that Paul Allen and Neil Olshey would be willing to part with five or more important role players from last year’s team for one player of Jordan’s caliber; presuming Jordan would sign here in the first place.

2. Damian Lillard shows PDX some love

Damian Lillard seems to have his stock grow daily. Just this week the third year guard announced the newest version of his first signature shoe, which will feature the design of the iconic PDX carpet. Lillard, who has been an adidas athlete since he came into the league three years ago, hinted at the drop of the shoe in an Instagram post featuring his logo over the airport’s carpet pattern. Pairs start flying off the shelves on Saturday, so be sure to pick yours up before they’re gone.

3. Robin Lopez: A collection of bully moments

Another great article to give you a feeling of nostalgia over the past couple of seasons for the Trail Blazers was written by Mike Richman as he details the antics of Lopez and the altercations he has been a part of with mascots throughout the league. The article mentions that while the beginnings of Lopez’s ordeals can’t be determined, Portland’s center started doing it as a way to stay relaxed before games. Video evidence of several of Lopez’s interactions reveal just how much of a kid the Trail Blazers’ rough and gruff center is at heart.

4. LaMarcus Aldridge has successful surgery

As we wait to see if Portland’s favorite son, Aldridge, decides if he will return to Portland or leave in free agency, we as fans experience a nerve-wracking two months between the end of the season and the beginning of free agency. On Monday, Aldridge underwent successful surgery on his left thumb. Aldridge, who played through the injury for the better part of the season, averaging a career-high in points, will be seeking a max deal this off-season. While there are many suitors going after him this summer, Portland has the ability to offer him more money and an additional year on his contract which will hopefully be enough to keep Aldridge in the only NBA city he has ever represented.

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