NBA: 3 things to remember from LaMarcus Aldridge’s career

LaMarcus Aldridge is on the All-Time Portland Trail Blazers team

The greatest player in the history of the Portland Trail Blazers is either Damian Lillard or Clyde Drexler. The other ranks second. After that, LaMarcus Aldridge has a case to be ranked as the third greatest player in franchise history, and at worst is in the top-5. In other words, Aldridge is the starting power forward for the Portland Trail Blazers All-Time Starting 5.

Over nine seasons in Portland he accrued 69.4 win shares, fourth-most all-time behind Drexler, Lillard and Terry Porter. He ranks fifth in games played, fourth in minutes and third in made field goals. His 12,562 points rank third, while he leads all Portland players in career rebounds.

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The Portland Trail Blazers went to the playoffs five times in Aldridge’s nine seasons, and in every year he was either the first or second-best player on the team. He made four All-Star games with the team, a number topped only by Lillard and Drexler.

Portland went to the Western Conference Finals in 2000, but would not win another playoff series for 14 years until Aldridge and Lillard led the Blazers to the second round in 2014. After a rough stretch of losing and culture issues, Aldridge and Lillard built a team that Portland fans were, and are, proud of.

For those interested in rankings and NBA history, setting Aldridge into his place in Portland Trail Blazers history is an important thing to do at the end of his career. In acknowledging his stellar play and importance to a franchise and a fan base, we recognize Aldridge as one of the five greatest to ever suit up for Rip City.

LaMarcus Aldridge is done playing professional basketball, as far as we know, but we can still cherish the games he played and the feats he accomplished. Take a few minutes to go back and watch some of his greatest games, or his career highlights, and remember one of the best midrange shooters in NBA history, and one of the greatest players in Portland sports history. Farewell LaMarcus Aldridge; thank you for your service to the game we all love.