Portland Trail Blazers: LaMarcus Aldridge or Aaron Gordon
Getting another big man is a priority for the Portland Trail Blazers. Two of the top choices are LaMarcus Aldridge and Aaron Gordon.
The NBA’s trade deadline is a week away. Many star players are being shopped around. Some might even get bought out. Two players linked to the Portland Trail Blazers are Aaron Gordon of the Orlando Magic and San Antonio’s LaMarcus Aldridge.
It’s no secret the Blazers need another big man on their team. So, let’s look at Gordon and Aldridge to see which one is the better fit. And why it’s Aaron Gordon.
LaMarcus Aldridge
Been here, seen the results. There are many posts on Blazers’ fan groups about Aldridge promoting both sides. Most of the arguments against LA stem from his departure from Rip City. Those fans still haven’t forgiven Aldridge.
Those fans still believe Aldridge is all about himself. That may be true. But his opportunity to win a championship as an essential member of a team is quickly closing. Time is a big motivator.
This is easily the worst season of his career, statistically speaking. Aldridge is averaging career lows across the board in just about every category. He is no longer the star player he used to be. So, why Aldridge?
Fit
So, why would Portland want an old “washed up” big man? Because his game fits in perfectly with this Portland Trail Blazers team. Remember how Brittle Collins, I mean, Zach Collins is a modern NBA big man? Portland drafted Collins for his ability to face up a defender, shoot or post up on the block. That’s exactly what Aldridge does.
Lineup versatility
Add in his history with Damian, and this appears to be a no-brainer. The Blazers can easily fit Aldridge in the rotation. He would look very nice playing alongside Enes Kanter or Jusuf Nurkic. Aldridge can also slide to the center if Terry Stotts wants to play Carmelo Anthony and Robert Covington with Dame and CJ McCollum.
This lineup puts five shooters on the floor that need to be covered. That would result in large driving lanes for the team to exploit. Quoting Olaf from Frozen, “All good things. All good things.”
History
Aldridge has a good history with Damian Lillard. He had his best two scoring and rebounding seasons when Dame was his point guard. At 35-years-old, Aldridge might not have the same athletic ability, but chemistry is chemistry. The way LA and Dame Dolla worked together in the past, it seems like dealing for him is a no-brainer.