Barring a surprise of epic proportions, LaMarcus Aldridge will re-sign with the Portland Trail Blazers this summer. Not only did the four-time All-Star say as much last July when deciding against extending his current contract, but his team’s success this season and the shocking recent decision to play through a torn thumb ligament also suggest that seeming inevitability, too. But it goes without saying that competing teams will come calling after the Blazers’ sweet shooting big man regardless, and likely use their own players as partial means of doing so.
It’s no secret that the New York Knicks want to spend big come silly season, and Carmelo Anthony recently hinted that he’d use his status as de-facto host of All-Star Weekend to sell coming free agents on fruits of playing in the Big Apple. According to a sarcastic Aldridge at All-Star media availability today, though, the Knicks’ franchise cornerstone has yet to reach out. Why?
“Maybe I’m not good enough,” Aldridge joked.
Sure. We highly doubt that’s the reason Anthony or another recruiter has yet to court the reigning All-NBA Third Team honoree, and he quickly confirmed that belief – Aldridge simply hasn’t had the time to rub elbows with fellow All-Stars. It bears mentioning that he’s not ruling out the possibility of it happening, either.
“We’ll see what happens when I’m here,” he said.
As for the chilly New York City weather potentially dissuading he or other players from considering signing with the Knicks, Aldridge indicated otherwise.
“It’s cold everywhere,” he said.
Somewhat true. But not every team’s play has been as dispiriting as New York’s this season. And despite the lure of playing with Anthony under the bright lights of the city, winning is what most matters to today’s marquee players and the Knicks simply haven’t done enough of it. If early returns of the Phil Jackson era are an indication of what’s to come for New York, Anthony better get to recruiting – these’ Bockers don’t sell themselves.
Even to “not good” players like Aldridge.
