I better post on my favorite Topic- LMA.

Loving this Bill Simmons Quote:

“Follow-up note: It continues to floor me that anyone would overpay someone who isn’t a franchise player during these rocky economic times. Like Portland this week — the Trail Blazers inked LaMarcus Aldridge to a five-year, $65 million extension, a deal that might have made sense in the 2006 market, but not right now. I like LaMarcus Aldridge. He’s solid. In this climate, he should not make more than $8 million or $9 million a year. The cap might drop $6 million next season for all we know. Also, inking anyone to an extension that early means you can’t trade him for two solid years. You’re basically marrying the guy. Which means Portland married a power forward who doesn’t play inside and grabs seven to eight rebounds a game. With nobody else bidding for him, no real urgency to do a deal for another year and no idea whether declining revenue will keep wrecking the cap. This makes sense … how? And you thought the NBA was getting smarter.)”

I do disagree with Simmons though that the Zombies will come anywhere close to 42 wins. I’m thinking around 30- due to lack of front-court.

 The Terrific Blazers Edge rightly points out-
 http://www.blazersedge.com/2009/10/22/1095977/welcome-aldridge-and-mills

" He’s very good at the things he does well but if the Blazers need rebounding, passing, or more straight-up defense he’s not going to be the guy to provide it. This brings up the second risk. If anything happens to Greg Oden then LaMarcus loses his counter-balance and suddenly looks overpaid as the not-quite-superstar trying to carry the frontcourt load himself. "

Simmons has the Blazers winning fewer games than the Thunder- WOW!!!

Portland’s probably the 2nd or 3rd best team in the West.

It’s probably true some team would have offered LMA more money. Hedo got offered 11 Million per year and Rashad Lewis the Max. So I could clearly see a team offering him the Max with the Cap Space Savings next summer.

I’m clearly not a Blazer-Hater. The reason they’re so good has to do with

1. Brandon Roy being one of the Top 6-7 players in the league
2. Very good production from the Center position in regards to rebounding.
3. Excellent Outside Shooting (Rudy and Blake)
4. Very solid wing play (Batum and Outlaw)
5. LMA’s does give solid production from the 4.

My main point in posting this is to agree with Simmons assessment of his value. As a nice player to have but not someone that demands nearly max money.

Portland’s championship aspiriations are ulitmately coming down to Greg Oden’s health. Not LMA.