Can Damian Lillard, LaMarcus Aldridge Be NBA All-Star Teammates Again in 2015?
In 2014, Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge became the first Portland Trail Blazers tandem to make the NBA All-Star Game since Clyde Drexler and Cliff Robinson did it back in 1994. It was Aldridge's third straight appearance and Lillard's first.
In 2015, the two have a strong chance of being teammates at All-Star Weekend again. Through 39 games, Lillard and Aldridge have led the Blazers to the second-best record in the Western Conference.
But as we know, competition is stiff out West. Plenty of players deserve an appearance, and the two-headed monster in Portland will be at the mercy of a selection committee with many choices.
What Would It Mean?
Seeing both Aldridge and Lillard in the 2015 All-Star Game would mean that Portland has once again arrived. Watching teammates play together one year is great, as was the case in 2014. Seeing a duo represent Portland in back-to-back seasons would be something special.
Although national recognition isn't as important as winning, the Trail Blazers have historically flown under the radar. Portland is a relatively small market, and Rip City is tired of being overlooked for that reason.
With the Blazers having gone through multiple rebuilds over the past decade-and-a-half, continuity has been a bit of a rarity. Aldridge and Lillard currently represent a change in that theme.
But while national recognition is great, a tandem appearance at All-Star Weekend would mean more than popularity: It would mean this group is as competitive as it's been in recent memory.
Because of the small-market syndrome Portland faces year after year, it takes national television games and big-time performances to make change visible. The Blazers started that process with a second-round appearance in the 2014 playoffs (their first in 14 years), and more representation at All-Star Weekend will be symbolic of the winning culture that has developed.
How Could It Happen?
As much as Blazers fans would like to see Aldridge and/or Lillard in the starting lineup, they'll have to keep waiting. A panel of 20 Bleacher Report NBA writers named Aldridge a deserving starter on Jan. 15, but the big man will likely be left out due to the popularity contest known as fan voting.
With a reserve spot in mind for both stars, roster spots come down to coaches' decisions. That's good news for a pair of players who have done damage to virtually every team they've faced this year.
Through Jan. 15, Aldridge and Lillard are averaging 23.3 and 22 points per game, respectively. Aldridge is sixth in the league in that category; Lillard is 11th.
Also worth noting is that Aldridge leads the Trail Blazers in rebounding with 10.5 boards per contest. Lillard is also No. 1 in multiple categories, including assists (6.2) and steals (1.4) per game.
Between now and All-Star Weekend, the duo must continue to work together. There's no problem alternating between 1A and 1B, but as a tandem they must prove that their productive play can remain a constant.
In the specific case of Lillard, long-range shooting and clutch scoring are what will keep him in the spotlight. His insane number of national advertisements helps, but his three-pointers made (fourth-most in the NBA) and fourth-quarter scoring (first league-wide, per NBA.com) are what coaches notice.
Aldridge needs to remain both tough and versatile. His numbers are already All-Star-worthy, but the way he plays has an impact as well.
At this point, it's safe to say the big man has shed the "soft" label. He's still a jump-shooter but has added toughness and a low-post presence that makes him as versatile as any 6'11" player in the NBA.
As for the team, the Blazers must continue winning if they hope to have two representatives in mid-February. Portland doesn't have the luxury of fans in every market, and with its home games often starting at either 10 p.m. or 10:30 p.m. ET, wins, losses and box scores have a major impact on national opinion.
Will It Happen?
Barring a significant dip in production—or worse, a significant injury—Lillard and Aldridge will both represent Rip City at the 2015 All-Star Game.
The case for Aldridge is simple: He's in as long as he stays healthy. Despite being just sixth in fan voting for Western Conference frontcourt players, he's a top-10 player in terms of both scoring and rebounding this season.
Furthermore, one of his biggest competitors for All-Star placement in years past, Kevin Love, is now playing in the East with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Assuming Aldridge gets in, it will be a monumental achievement for the 29-year-old. After spending the first few years of his career in Brandon Roy's shadow, a fourth All-Star appearance will put him ahead of the former franchise player in that category.
Back in July, Aldridge stated, "I want to be the best Blazer—ever," according to The Oregonian's Joe Freeman. A selection this year will put him in an exclusive list of Trail Blazers to make the All-Star team four times, joining Drexler (8) and Sidney Wicks (4).
For Lillard, it's a bit more complicated. Although Aldridge will be fighting for a spot against a few select bigs, the NBA is as saturated with elite point guards as it's ever been.
As well as Lillard has played, and as deserving as he is of an All-Star appearance, he's excelling during an era where point guards dominate.
Think about the competition. Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo and Tony Parker are all at the 1. You've also got James Harden and Klay Thompson at the 2, and Kobe Bryant is likely to be voted in as a starter.
If you ask Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, Lillard deserves to make it. "Damian Lillard should absolutely be an All-Star," he said, according to Diamond Leung of the Bay Area News Group. "I don't think he's going to be voted in. ... Damian Lillard should be automatic."
Although it won't be automatic, like the head coach with the league's best record believes it should be, Lillard has done enough to make his second appearance. He's one of the most productive players in the league in crunch time, and his long-range shooting and skills above the rim are perfect for All-Star competition.
Look for the third-year guard to officially begin his run as a perpetual All-Star this season. And look for him to be standing next to Aldridge every step of the way.
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