The Portland TrailBlazers have looked simply overmatched in their first-round playoff series against the tougher and meaner Memphis Grizzlies. The Blazers could soon get eliminated if they don’t something in their game, but that’s not their biggest problem right now. There have been rumors that LaMarcus Aldridge could choose to leave the franchise if they don’t win at least one series during this postseason.
“Some Blazers players have already said they are worried free agency will take Aldridge away from Portland this summer. Earlier this month, before a home game, a Blazers player estimated the chances of him returning to Portland at 50-50.”
The speculations have started surrounding Aldridge since the start of this year’s season, but he has never stated that he wishes to leave the team. The big man has always said how he wishes to remain with the Blazers and eventually become the greatest franchise player. From these words, we can easily understand that Aldridge really doesn’t want to leave the team unless something big changes in the organization. However, if the Blazers lose against the Grizzlies, we could argue that could be exactly a change of this type.
Portland has been unable to show that they are tough enough to compete in the playoffs, and that definitely bothered Aldridge in Game 1 against Memphis. Damian Lillard has been the face of the franchise for the last two years, but his lack of defensive ability has been a big negative. Furthermore, Wesley Matthews, one of the little players that can show toughness, will also be a free-agent this summer, and nobody is sure whether he will be able to return as good as he was from the Achilles tear he suffered. Furthermore, Robin Lopez will also be a free-agent, and it’s not sure whether he will stay with the Blazers, as a lot of teams will surely try to sign him.
However, it’s not an entirely sure thing that the Blazers will regress the following season. Yes, it is very possible that Portland will suffer an early playoff exit, but they have so many injured players and it’s hard to blame them for their weak form. If they can convince Aldridge in the summer that the team is going in the right direction and offer him a bit of extra money, it’s very possible that we can see the big man in a Portland uniform once again.
NBA Rumors: Concerns that LaMarcus Aldridge could leave if the Blazers don't advance through the first round
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