Isn't what this season comes down to . . . if LA can be the man to lead this team past the first round. This is why you don't rebuild right now, let's see just how good LA is. Right now was suppose to be the run of Roy, Aldrdige and Oden. Out of the three, all Blazers have left is Aldrdige, but why not take a run and see what you got with one. The Blazers have surrounded him with pieces to be successful, but these pieces aren't going to carry the day. In the end, this team will rise and fall on LA's shoulder. He is 26, has NBA experience under his belt, on the cusp of being an all star and is still growing and hungry. Blazers are unlikely going to get a superstar to come to Ptd . . . so LA is the closest we got to that. This year should tell us if we are going make a run with LA in the next few years or go a different direction. Man I hope Aldridge can continue to raise his game and lead this group beyond expectations this year.
He's on the front page of NBA.com right now and it says "My turn yet?" As for his comments about selfishness. Rudy, Roy, and Miller all had issues with not getting the ball as much as they wanted. Even if they were fighting for the ability to help the team, Aldridge is saying is that we don't have that anymore and that's a good thing. I agree. As for Batum starting over Wallace, please. Batum's not half the player Wallace. Remember when Batum got torched by Durant? Later in the season, Wallace shut down Durant and dropped 40 on him. Just appreciate what Batum is. A versatile spark off the bench who, in a few years, will end up starting once Wallace is past his prime and he has raised his game up a couple notches.