You really want a 30-win team, and Noah has the same expiring contract as LMA, yet without any history in Portland. Why would Noah re-sign with Portland? I mean, if LMA wants to leave, wouldn't Noah as well, and even more so, since he has no allegiance or history to the Blazers?
You always feel insulted by any proposed trade. Noah is better than Aldridge because of effort. Period.
Y'all could almost sell me on Vucevic and Oladipo but only if it was a situation with Aldridge pushing his way out and us needing to get value. I'm so high on Drummond I'd push Aldridge out the door myself for that one. Olshey would have some severe tinkering to do after that Orlando deal though. Way too many guards and no clear starting PF.
Are you actually being serious? I think it's beyond doubt at this point that Noah is the more highly rated overall player around the league.
For all of our Lillard love, Aldridge is the best player we have, and the margin isn't even close. He's a top three PF in the league and is arguably the most versatile PF in the game. He can play in the post (he doesn't like to do it), he can defend (when he chooses), he can run, he has an unstoppable mid-range turnaround and has range on his jumper. Bottom line, if we choose to trade Aldridge, we have to get a HAUL for him, or we're relegating ourselves to the lower rungs of mediocrity.
One of my favorite things about NBA League Pass is when the feed is from the opposing team. I love listening to the other teams' analysts commenting on our players. Last year, color guys were gaga over Lillard (and rightfully so), but Aldridge was shown by far the most respect. In sports forums, familiarity tends to breed contempt. All we see is what LA doesn't do, and we take for granted all the amazing things he does. Other teams look at him and first they see what he does better than most other PFs.
That's too funny! I usually TiVo the other broadcast; while I watch the blazer one. And you're right; they give so much respect to Aldridge. The fact is; you need that dominant big man to open the game up for your wings. If you don't have it; then you become very one dimensional. It's so much easier for teams when they don't have to double the post.
Sorry guys, I'm not trying to pile hate on Aldridge. I'm firmly in the pro- camp. I just sincerely believe that after Noah's recent breakout, he would edge out Aldridge in a "who's the better player" poll among neutral fan bases and/or analysts. Not that it's a wide margin or an easy call.
I'd say Noah has more value in the league than Aldridge. Centers that protect the paint and rebound like Noah are more valuable in the NBA than jump shooting big men.
We started tanking before he became "injured." The losing started earlier, when Hickson's minutes mysteriously went down. All season, Hickson led the team in PER, until the end, because of the suddenly decreased minutes. I usually watch free semi-legal opponent internet broadcasts. They start the game expecting Aldridge to be a leader. They are often soon befuddled by his lethargic body language. By the 2nd quarter they realize that he doesn't care about rebounding or protecting the rim, and they become impressed that he shoots well. He's a weird PF, not at all top 3 in the league. Noah's better.
Boozer is a fine player. He's smart and physical. However, his best days are behind him. He's a heck of a story, however. From 2nd round pick to very good NBA PF. He still dicked over Cleveland, however.
