LaMarcus Aldridge
The gentle giant who defined a decade of Blazers basketball with mid-range mastery and quiet leadership.
LaMarcus Aldridge is a towering center and power forward who became one of the most beloved figures in Portland Trail Blazers history during his decade-long tenure. Drafted third overall in 2006, he evolved from a promising rookie into a perennial All-Star and the franchise's primary offensive engine, anchoring the team through its competitive years in the Pacific Northwest.
- Role
- Power Forward / Center
- Affiliation
- Portland Trail Blazers (2006–2015)
- Draft Status
- 3rd Overall Pick (2006 NBA Draft)
- All-Star Appearances with Portland
- 4
- Status
- Franchise Legend / Retired from Team
- Jersey Number
- 12
Lore & Background
His time in Portland was marked by a deep connection with the fanbase, earning him the nickname "LaMar" from the local crowd. He was not just a scorer but a stabilizing force who carried the team's hopes on his shoulders during playoff runs against Western Conference giants like the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies. His departure to San Antonio in 2015 marked the end of an era, leaving a void that the franchise has yet to fully fill.
In Their Own Story
The roar of the Moda Center (then Rose Garden) fades into a hum as LaMarcus Aldridge catches the ball at the high post. The clock winds down, the defense collapses toward the rim, but he doesn't panic. With a subtle pivot and a soft touch over a leaping defender, the ball arcs through the air, swishing cleanly through the net. It is another routine moment for the man who made the middle of the court his own.
Reader's Guide
During his nine seasons with Portland, LaMarcus Aldridge averaged nearly 20 points and 8 rebounds per game, establishing himself as one of the league's most efficient scorers. He was named to four NBA All-Star teams while wearing the Beavercraft jersey, a testament to his consistent excellence. His signature moves included a devastating mid-range fadeaway and a soft touch around the basket that allowed him to score efficiently against larger defenders. Aldridge led the Blazers in scoring for multiple seasons and was instrumental in their playoff pushes during the 2010s. Beyond the stats, his impact on the franchise's identity was profound. He represented stability and professionalism, bridging the gap between the post-Oden era and the modern rebuild. His jersey number 12 remains synonymous with a specific style of play that defined Portland for nearly a decade.
Did You Know?
- Aldridge is one of only two players in NBA history to score at least 50 points in a game while playing for the Trail Blazers, joining Clyde Drexler.
- He was selected as an All-Star four times during his tenure in Portland (2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015).
- Aldridge holds the franchise record for most consecutive games with at least 20 points.
- Despite being traded to San Antonio in 2015, he remains a highly respected figure among Portland fans.