Le Basketbawl

The “Associated Press” has reported that the Portland Trail Blazers have scheduled a news conference for Friday and will announce they have signed forward LaMarcus Aldridge to a five year contract extension. Portland Team President Larry Miller said back in August that the club was hoping to lock up the talented 24 year old power forward before the NBA deadline of October 31. Details of the extension have not been released.

Aldridge averaged 18.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game last season and in New York Vinnie’s opinion he can be another cornerstone this team can build  around alongside All-Star shooting guard Brandon Roy. Roy was signed to a long term deal this summer and wanted the club at that point to work out a long term deal with Aldridge.

Roy spoke to reporters before training camp started and told them that the Blazers needed to keep Aldridge in the fold to insure long term success for the team. The Portland star told reporters ”“I’m excited that I’m finally done, but now it’s time to get LaMarcus signed, because I think he’s a huge part of what we’re trying to do. I think he’s a future all-star for years to come. I think LaMarcus is a big part of my success on the court, because there’s a lot of things that he does to free my game. … I’m excited with getting LaMarcus done and getting him happy, that way we can continue to move forward with all the guys we have.”

New York Vinnie still believes that “MISTER RICKETS” Blazers center Greg Oden is liable to break down at any time during the season. However if he can maintain his health and be some sort of presence in the middle Portland should be right there with San Antonio and Dallas as the elite teams in the Western Conference this season.