He's a #3 on a contender, so if we want to actually get in the Finals we need Lillard to become a true #1 and then acquire a #2 through trade/free agency/draft. The guy other teams value most outside of Lillard is LMA, so he's absolutely in the discussion of trade pieces.
Horseshit. He's a #2. There's no question about it. He is arguably the best PF in the game. We will not improve by trading him.
On our team he's a #2. He has the physical gifts of a #1/2 but the intangibles/fundamentals and mental makeup of a #2/3
Well, I guess it's good to know that you're so adamant about your opinion. It's unfortunate (IMO) that you're unwilling to consider those that might differ. I'm of the (gramatically awkward) opinion that Sanders+Redick is more better defensively than Aldridge than Aldridge is better offensively than Sanders+Redick, so I believe that an Aldridge for Sanders+Redick deal would improve the team. However, I also admit that I could be wrong.
The only teams I consider contenders right now are MIA, OKC, and SA. LMA couldn't replace any of those teams #2's so no in fact he is not a #2 on a contender. He's Bosh in Toronto, but not as good, he'd be a fine #3 to Lebron/Wade or Durant/Westbrook but he doesn't what it takes to be the 2nd best guy on a real favorite to win.
God damn, people need to cut it with the "LA is the best PF in the game" bullshit. He's not even close, he's tall, and a skilled perimeter player, average at everything else.
Who said that? I haven't read any of the sort in this thread. Tlong said #2 option. He is definitely a good #2 option. I would cringe if hickson was our starting pf. I like having sanders at center as the defensive anchor; but I would much rather have Lillard, batum, Aldridge and dalembert; then Lillard, batum, hickson and sanders. If you add millsap instead of hickson; I say that's a great addition. You people aren't understanding just how important an offensive weapon like Aldridge is to the success of Lillard. It's much easier for him to penetrate when he has a pf that can spread the floor and demand doubles.
Hickson as a starting PF is not a team that is going to be a championship contender. I'm happy with LA as the starting PF and believe the Blazers can make a more competitive team having LA as the PF rather than trading him for parts.
This. LMA spreads the floor unlike most, plain and simple. All we need is a defensive center and we're golden.
I agree 100%. We would be much better off finding that defensive center and actually having a healthy batum and Matthews all season.
W....T....F.... what has happened to you guys? I know LMA is not clutch, but the guy is the 2nd best if not the best PF in the league. You guys are on one this morning...
It's how this forum works. They blame all the losses on Aldridge and won't give credit to his stellar performances on the wins. Where have you been?!
Yea, i know everyone on here is bi-polar, even me, but saying Larry Sanders => Aldridge is downright.... ok, no name calling
Sanders is a beast and would actually be alright if that deal happened; but we better be getting millsap or it's a total wash.
That's what happens when you're the number one option. When the team starts losing, it's all on you. (Or at least, that's how the fans see it) I don't see people piling on Batum even though he's been playing like junk during the same streatch. People started turning on Roy when he stopped leading us to wins. They'll probably do the same once Lillard becomes #1 and we aren't winning.
