Fansided

NBA Free Agency: Top 5 teams for LaMarcus Aldridge

By James Simpson II

Apr 27, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) before game four against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) before game four against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Feb 5, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Portland Trailblazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) controls the ball against New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the fourth quarter of a game at Madison Square Garden. The Trailblazers defeated the Knicks 94-90. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Portland Trailblazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) controls the ball against New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the fourth quarter of a game at Madison Square Garden. The Trailblazers defeated the Knicks 94-90. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

4. New York Knicks

Aldridge would be an ideal fit in the Triangle Offense if he decided to sign with the lowly New York Knicks. He can post and knock down jump shots which are valuable skills needed for any player to be successful in the Triangle Offense. He gets a chance to play with another star in Carmelo Anthony (who can be difficult to play with at times) and a chance to help revitalize the once storied Knicks franchise.

The Knicks do have a lottery pick which will most likely be in the top five, will have some extra cap space to play with if they sign Aldridge, and most importantly he will be in the subpar Eastern Conference — which will make his road to the NBA Finals that much easier compared to being in the loaded top-to-bottom Western Conference every year. Playing in New York City is obvious more pressure than playing in Portland but if Aldridge embraces the spotlight instead of running from it, this might be nice fit for him.

Basketball wise it’s not the perfect fit but playing in New York would give him a wonderful opportunity to build his brand, receive more widespread attention, and gain more endorsements. (Believe me, players care about this stuff.) And if Aldridge doesn’t sign with the Knicks it will all be because of one man scaring him and every other free agent away: JAMES FREAKING DOLAN!!!!!!!

I rest my case.

Next: L.A. Lakers

Home/NBA Free Agency