[Jason Quick] Trail Blazers' list of concerns after Game 1 should include the future of LaMarcus Ald

If the only change is Duncan(and possibly Manu) retires and is replaced by Aldridge, I could see LMA going for that(assuming he gets his max money). That's a pretty solid lineup. I don't know if it's a title contender given Parker's age and questionable health, but it's a 50-55 win team barring any serious injuries.

 

Coach Pop? He signed a 5 year extension.

 

But Houston is better for LMA. I will say it again, if LMA is going to decide to leave his current team for a title seeking, he would be stupid to not select the rockets for his first option. A trade with the rockets also is good for him too, so he can get a big contract.

 

I think Duncan will retire and they'll sign Aldridge...Duncan will be 40(!!!) next year

 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>A <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mavs?src=hash">#Mavs</a> outright max sign of Aldridge = $18,827,367. Leaving $13,056,189 cap room (for say, Tyson). No Monta. &amp; Bunch of Merry Mins</p>&mdash; mike fisher (@fishsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/fishsports/status/593521740422062080">April 29, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

Does anyone around the league really see Leonard as a "foundational piece?"

 

Kawhi? Of course. Why not?

 

if you haven't seen him lately, he's become the spurs go to guy. he has taken a huge leap this year on offense being able to doing things on his town now

 

But he's still such a good player! He seriously looks like he could play at least 2 more seasons at a very productive level. Then if he where ever to consider becoming a bench player for 10 to 15 mins a night, i'd bet on him being able to play until he's almost 45.

Kareem, Mutombo, Parish, Willis played all played until they where 42-44, I'm sure Duncan can join that list if he wanted to ( and if his body allowed him ).

 

I was thinking the same exact thing until I started watching the Spurs/Clips series. He's definitely made that jump, let just take a look at his stats this series so far in the last 5 games...

Note that this is hard fought series against a very good clippers team, who has very good defenders in Paul and Barnes of the perimeter, Griffin and Jordan in the paint. Also note that Leonard is only 23 years old.

23.4 points (16 FG attempts), 7 rebounds, 3 assist (2.0 TO) - 1.6 steals, 0.8 blocks - shooting 54/47/74 - In 35 minutes per game

With his very efficient offensive numbers, ability to be the man and take over on offense, terrific defense, intangibles, age and potential. He's without a doubt a foundational piece.

 

I don't know why Duncan would retire after the season, his level of play hasn't dropped off at all. He could play 3 more years at this rate

 

Time to get the wheels rolling on this one.

Terry / Harden / Ariza / LMA / Howard

Best starting five in the NBA

 

Please tell me how we would be able to afford Ariza if we get LMA?

 

Wonder if hinkie would help is by eating up ariza moti and anyone else needed. I'd like to keep brewer and smith along with capela but everyone else is expendable. Obviously it's gonna need a nod from howard and harden but Im not too sure if morey really stopped pursuit of rondo or the fact that our stars weren't thrilled to play with him

 

Eat up? Ariza and Dmo are quality players who can probably net us 1st rounds picks. Dmo especially look for Toronto to be involved, they need an overhaul and need new young players to build around and have a hole at the SF position.

 

I'm probably the only one that would rather just not chase a FA and add more depth and try to snag a PG like Lawson or something and be set.

This team is deep when healthy. I'm not so sure I want to lose that depth suddenly.

It was also be nice to have a year where we develop some kind of chemistry and camaraderie. Just me though, I wouldn't be mad if we got LMA.

 

You're not the only one. The Rockets need to address the PG spot and resign Brewer and Smith(and maybe Terry). Worry about adding a big name free agent in 2016 when the cap explodes. Not to mention we still don't know how this postseason will play out. What if they make it to the WCF(or beyond)? Would it really be wise to go after Aldridge or any other player who'll require a crapload of cap space to be cleared?

 

Quality players yes but if we can get cap space and sign Aldridge long term we could still have significant cap space the following year when salary cap jumps significantly. But then again showing depth in the playoffs is big so I'm still iffy on the idea unless we could grab some veterans

 

Is LMA?

Rocket River

 

Fixed.