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Portland Trail Blazers Discussion: Is LaMarcus Aldridge the right fit?

By Aneesh Namburi

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 16: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs and Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers talks before the game on March 16, 2019 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 16: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs and Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers talks before the game on March 16, 2019 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Rip City Project discusses the viability of LaMarcus Aldridge back on the Portland Trail Blazers.

When LaMarcus Aldridge left the Portland Trail Blazers in 2015, many fans were absolutely heartbroken. Just like every time a star moves onto another team, fans went senile, declaring their “lifelong hate” on the man that was essential during his five playoff appearances with the team and four All-Star nods.

Since joining the San Antonio Spurs, Aldridge is largely the same player that he has always been. He is still a consistent 20 point,10 rebound threat, and one of the most feared players in the league from mid-range.

While his time in San Antonio has been fruitful, with the Spurs making the playoffs every year that Aldridge has been back in the Lone Star State, the writing is on the wall for the end of Aldridge’s tenure. His deal ends after the 2020-21 season (with only $7 million guaranteed that year) and San Antonio looks to be putting more of a focus on their younger players.

Now that a little bit of time has passed, it seems as if the reported tension between Aldridge and the Blazers, specifically Damian Lillard, was not only overblown, but now water under the bridge, per Jason Quick of The Athletic.

Add in the interview with Jabari Young, also of The Athletic, had with NBC Sports Northwest/Rip City Radio’s Rip City Mornings, where he felt like a return to Rip City for Aldridge was in the cards, and rumors are starting to swirl again.

While it would be nice for time’s sake for this reunion to happen, does it make sense on the court?

Rip City Project experts Austin Carroll and Aneesh Namburi discussed Aldridge’s skills, play style, contract, whether he fits the Portland Trail Blazers and what it might take to acquire him.