Damian Lillard respects LaMarcus Aldridge's decision, says Blazers can still compete
Damian Lillard harbors no ill-will toward LaMarcus Aldridge for leaving the Portland Trail Blazers.
Lillard told Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports that the two former teammates swapped texts and mutual shows of respect during Aldridge's free-agency process.
"We basically exchanged texts about how much admiration we have for each other," Lillard said of Aldridge. "That change wasn't about me. I did express that I wanted him to be back. I told him I respected his decision. I respected that he told me before the news broke and I saw it on TV."
Aldridge left Portland to sign with the San Antonio Spurs.
As for Portland's future in the post-Aldridge era, Lillard expressed confidence in the Blazers' rebuild, while pledging his allegiance to Portland.
We're a young team. There are going to be ups and downs. But I'm not giving up on anything. I don't doubt that we can still compete. We got a lot of young athletes. I don't feel like it's going to be me up there. I feel like we got guys capable of stepping up and doing more than they've done in the past.
I don't know how long it will take. I'm committed to the next six years to try to turn this around.
Lillard signed a five-year extension worth a reported $125 million this summer. He will serve as the team's leader and its star player as it transitions into a future built around Lillard and a host of prospects.
Portland made good progress in accelerating its rebuild, grabbing players like Mason Plumlee, Ed Davis, Al-Farouq Aminu, Noah Vonleh, and Mo Harkless this summer.
However, despite netting a promising haul, Portland is still a long shot to make the playoffs. Lillard should continue to blossom as a young All-Star, but the Trail Blazers lost four starters this summer in free agency, without acquiring a single clear-cut starting quality replacement. There will be plenty of growing pains next season, especially while competing in the ruthless Western Conference.
A few seasons down the line could be a different story. If Vonleh comes through on his tantalizing potential, if Harkless and Plumlee become more than role players, if C.J. McCollum and Meyers Leonard continue to develop, then Portland could sniff the postseason once more.