The Portland Trail Blazers are slowly becoming accustomed to dealing with loss this summer. Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge announced yesterday that he’ll sign with the San Antonio Spurs a reported four-year deal worth $80 million.
That move, along with the signings of Robin Lopez, Wes Matthews and the trade of Nic Batum leaves Portland without four of last season’s starting five. This would be a tough pill to swallow for any fan whose team was knocking on the door of being a contender for the past 2 seasons. In order to heal the wound he created, last night Aldridge wrote a nice thank-you letter to his fans in Portland, via the Oregonian‘s John Canzano:
Dear Rip City, Thank you!
Those two words on a page don’t begin to express the gratitude I have for the opportunity the entire Trail Blazers organization, my teammates, the media, and you fans gave me. The past nine years have been a blessing, and I will take all of the valuable memories with me as I head back home.
As I’m sure you can respect, my decision was a very personal one but not one I took lightly. Although I will be wearing a different uniform the next time I come back to Portland, please know that I will always hold my time in a Blazers uniform near and dear to my heart.
Your friend, LA
Only time will tell how Blazers fans receive this letter. It was only a year ago that Aldridge stated he was happy with his status in the Northwest and that he wanted to be “the best Blazer – ever.” On Saturday, reports also surfaced that this statement, which may seem disingenuous in retrospect, was crafted by Blazers general manager Neil Olshey, and not by his star power forward.
Adding to the drama surrounding the situation was the prediction of Aldridge’s free agency transition made by now ex-assistant coach Kim Hughes, who claimed, days before the event actually happened, that the four-time All-Star was a goner.
Aldridge spent his entire nine-year career in a Blazers uniform. No player in franchise history has grabbed more rebounds than him (5,434), and he sits fourth in the team’s all-time scoring rankings. Turning down the Spurs and the chance to finish your career in your home state would have been very difficult for any player. It’s why you can’t really blame Aldridge, can you? I would hope not.
