Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard has openly expressed his belief that the team could have achieved greater success if LaMarcus Aldridge had not left for the San Antonio Spurs in 2015. In a candid interview, Lillard revealed his frustration with the circumstances surrounding Aldridge’s departure.
As Tweeted by NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral), Lillard stated,
“If [Lamarcus Aldridge] would have never went to San Antonio, we would have won at least once already. I would have came into my own but he was that good.”
The point guard’s comments highlight the impact Aldridge’s departure had on the Trail Blazers’ championship aspirations. This remark has sparked discussions among NBA fans and analysts about what could have been for the Portland Trail Blazers if Aldridge had stayed.
The Impact of LaMarcus Aldridge
LaMarcus Aldridge was a cornerstone for the Portland Trail Blazers from 2006 to 2015. During his time with the team, he was a seven-time NBA All-Star and consistently one of the league’s top power forwards. Aldridge’s departure to the San Antonio Spurs in 2015 marked the end of an era for the Blazers and the beginning of a new chapter for both him and the team.
Aldridge’s move to the Spurs was seen as a significant loss for Portland. His scoring ability, rebounding, and leadership were crucial to the Blazers’ success. In his final season with Portland, Aldridge averaged 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. His departure left a void that the team struggled to fill in the immediate aftermath.
Damian Lillard’s Rise
Damian Lillard, who joined the Blazers in 2012, quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier point guards. Known for his clutch performances and scoring prowess, Lillard has been an eight-time NBA All-Star and was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. Despite his success, Lillard has often spoken about his desire to bring a championship to Portland.
In the tweet, Damian Lillard reflects on how Aldridge’s presence could have impacted his own development and the team’s success. He believes that with Aldridge by his side, the Blazers would have had a legitimate shot at winning an NBA championship.
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