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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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Portland Trail Blazers – Rodney Hood (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Portland Trail Blazers – Rodney Hood (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Does he fit with the Blazers?

Above all else, making a move for Aldridge only makes sense if he can fit seamlessly with the current roster to elevate the team to title contention. With a bunch of moving parts in the front court rotation, finding a way to include LMA could require a creative solution.

Carroll: The Portland Trail Blazers have long searched for an answer at either forward position. With point guard, shooting guard and center all locked down for the future, it makes a lot of sense to pursue a talented power forward that can help the team potentially win a championship next season. His fit with the team isn’t perfect due to his lack of 3-point shooting, but Aldridge serves as an immediate upgrade over any other healthy big man on the roster at the moment.

Namburi: While I love LaMarcus Aldridge and his game, he just doesn’t fit my vision of the Blazers. He has essentially transitioned into a center, playing 83 percent of his minutes at the position last year (Cleaning the Glass). With Jusuf Nurkic already locked into the center spot, the expectation is that Aldridge would play the power forward spot. Although he is a solid defender around the basket, he just cannot be depended on to stop perimeter players in the modern NBA. Add in my concerns with his spacing fit — again, he definitely could work fine and I would not be surprised whatsoever, but I would personally rather focus on someone like Danilo Gallinari — and I think Portland should pass on him.

Carroll: I especially like the fact you brought up Gallinari, because unlike him and other rumored targets such as Kevin Love, Aldridge has one thing going for him the others simply cannot claim. Alrdidge has played more than 80 percent of games in 11 of his 13 seasons, and in every season since 2011-12. His iron man durability is something the others simply cannot provide. In fact, he has played more minutes (5196) as the other two have combined for (4979) these last two years. This is especially important considering injuries and overall health seem to determine team’s fate in the playoffs more than ever. Additionally, other options would probably take some time becoming acclimated to working next to Lillard; but Aldridge already has that experience and relationship with Dame in his back pocket.

Namburi: Especially in Portland, I can’t disagree that health should always be a big factor. I’ve just always been a fan of positional mobility and versatility, even before the era of position less basketball, and it makes me nervous that a potential core could consist of “undersized” guards and one position big men. As talented as they are, it is not something I am comfortable with. Sure, adding Aldridge could work wonderfully, and I would be the first to admit I was wrong. Adding an amalgamation of talent and figuring it out is not the worst strategy. I just personally do not agree with that approach. Aldridge had a nice run in Portland, and he should always be appreciated for what he brought during his time here. Now, both him and the Blazers have moved on, and let’s keep it that way.

Next. Did the Blazers get better or worse this summer?. dark

Through our discussion, the consensus seems to be that Aldridge is still an extremely talented player on a team friendly contract for stars. Aneesh feels that Aldridge will add to Portland’s already somewhat crowded frontcourt, taking away resources from the more valuable wing position. Austin believes that Aldridge’s talent is too great to deny, and that the Blazers need to take swings when opportunities present itself. Who do you agree with? Let us know @RipCityProject.