Not sure if you mean literally or figuratively. There has to be at least one in the NBA at all times? (I would disagree with that if so) Or LMA should be the first? (once again disagree, very good player. Not a MAX one imo) Or am I missing the entire question? I am not sure who currently makes Max at PF but the only one that should be making Max right now is Duncan (yes still, had arguably one of this top-5 seasons just this last year). Ironically I think he took a lot less then Max so the Spurs could keep their other players.
Any all-star or near all-star is going to get a near max level contract. If you don't want to pay that some other team will. There are only 24 all-stars and 30 teams so thats just the simple math of it. If you don't believe Aldridge will still be a borderline all-star when he is older at the end of the contract that is a different argument; it would be a valid reason to not give him such a contract. I agree in theory it seems like theses players outside Lebron and Durant are overpaid but if you don't sign them what will you be able to do with that cap room? Sign a lesser player like Al Jefferson and have a few million less on the cap? That won't lead to more wins. To contend you need to have a few players like Damian Lillard where their play greatly exceeds their contract. It could be a few rookies or just vets that are somewhat underpaid. Then you can pay the market rate for an all-star and still have a great team. Obviously it would be even better to acquire more players like Lillard who play at a level far above their contract, but those aren't available. So the next best alternative is to pay market rate for the best player you can get on the team.
So assuming LMA stays, what do you think would be better? Batum become a solid 20 ppg scorer (say not quite all star) and Dame stays where he was this year? Or Dame jumps to superstar and Batum stays? Interesting question.
Probably the very best scenario for the Blazers is getting two very good years out of Aldridge as he plays for his max contract and, in the mean time, Robinson blows up to become a beast PF, making re-signing LMA unnecessary and allowing them to work a sign-and-trade for other needed assets. I mean, a guy can always dream, right?
Dame needs to get to superstar level. That is the number 1 most important thing for our success. Think about it. Howard didn't want to go to Houston because they had no superstar. Harden came in and became a superstar and now they got Howard. Aldridge is an allstar; but is still robin. We need batman. I would be more happy if batum just turned into a dead eye three point shooter, defensive stopper and key facilitator.
