Getty Images
On Tuesday, a report surfaced from Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher stating that Portland Trail Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge was no longer interested in the San Antonio Spurs. This report is quite mind-boggling, as just a few weeks ago, ESPN’s Marc Stein reported that Aldridge put the Spurs ‘at the top of his list’ in the 2015 NBA free agency period. If Bucher’s report is indeed true, Aldridge’s decision makes no sense.
Recently, Aldridge has shown some discontent with the Blazers organization as the team has seemingly plateaued in the Western Conference. This year, Portland was ousted in the first round by the Memphis Grizzlies. Last year, the Blazers reached the second round, but there they were dismantled by the Spurs in a quick five-game series.
It is clear that Aldridge wants to sign with a team that can win an NBA championship, as he only has a few more prime years remaining. The Spurs are one of the teams that can offer Aldridge that opportunity, pairing him with up-and-coming star Kawhi Leonard.
In Bucher’s report, the Dallas Mavericks are noted to have potentially leaped over the Spurs as a possible destination if Aldridge decides to leave Portland for Texas. This makes little sense, however, given the state of the Mavericks’ roster. During the 2015 NBA Playoffs, it was clear that Dallas did not have a roster capable of competing for a title. Now, the team will lose Rajon Rondo and possibly Monta Ellis, making Dallas a risky destination at best.
Like the Mavericks, the Spurs have enough cap room for Aldridge while also boasting a roster with several skilled pieces, a coach who is well-aware of how to compete for titles and a long history of bringing home championships. Bucher may be reporting false information, but if he is not, Aldridge’s lack of interest does not line up with his supposed ultimate goal of winning a championship.
Nicholas Sciria is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Nick_Sciria, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
