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Playoff Picture: Portland Trail Blazers

By Luke Duffy

Mar 30, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers huddle at half court and celebrate 109-86 win over Phoenix Suns at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers huddle at half court and celebrate 109-86 win over Phoenix Suns at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /
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April 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) controls the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) controls the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Go To Guy

LaMarcus Aldridge

You could argue Lillard should go in here. After all, it was he who won Portland not only a game but an entire series with one of the most clutch shots in recent memory last season. That trait and ability to step up when it matters most is a precious commodity this time of year. Remember this?

A scary thought as well, Aldridge is an unrestricted free agent this summer. He’s playing arguably the best basketball of his career though, and is still the face of a franchise he has been carrying for years now. He’s scoring at a career-high rate (23.4 points per game) while he’s still a great rebounder as well (10.3 per game).

He has a set list of go to offensive moves that he has worked on so much that they are near impossible to stop. This is why he is so important. Come the playoffs, if this team is down six and suddenly in a bit of a hole, throw the ball in to Aldridge and watch him go to work. The result will likely be two points, and a sense of calm will flow through his team once more. A great player in his absolute prime.

Next: Portland A Team With Much Going For It

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