Back in the 2010s, All-Star point guard Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge run with the Portland Trail Blazers was one that proved to be effective on the court. Now, the Milwaukee Bucks star has opened up on that part of his career in Rip City.
In a recent interview, Lillard reflected on his former team’s championship aspirations had Aldridge never left the franchise. He revealed that if Aldridge had remained in Portland, the Trail Blazers would have won at least one NBA title.
Lillard and Aldridge formed a dynamic duo in Portland, leading the team to the playoffs in consecutive seasons from 2013-2014 to 2014-2015. However, their postseason run was cut short in 2014 when they faced the championship-bound San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals.
The Spurs were hoping to transition from the Tim Duncan era with Aldridge and Kawhi Leonard forming a new core. However, Leonard’s quadriceps injury and the subsequent drama surrounding his departure from San Antonio limited the pair’s time on the court together.
Milwaukee Bucks Guard Damian Lillard Gets Real on His Portland Trail Blazers Stint With LaMarcus Aldridge
According to Lillard, the Trail Blazers were on the cusp of a title, but Aldridge’s decision to join the Spurs in the 2015 offseason significantly derailed their championship dreams. This can be seen in a video posted by Club 520 on their official X account.
Damian Lillard on what him and LaMarcus Aldridge could’ve done together in Portland
“If [Aldridge] would have never went to San Antonio, we would have won at least once already. I would have came into my own but he was that good.”
via @club520podcast pic.twitter.com/2IS6Ry2kDd
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) August 21, 2024
Last year, the Trail Blazers traded Lillard to the Bucks and chose to start a rebuild. Meanwhile, the All-Star guard’s first campaign with Milwaukee resulted in an early playoff exit at the hands of Tyrese Haliburton’s Indiana Pacers.
Lillard’s comments serve as a reminder of the fine line between success and missed opportunities in the NBA. The Trail Blazers had the pieces to contend for a title, but Aldridge’s decision to join the Spurs ultimately prevented them from achieving their championship aspirations.
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