If you look at the future of the Portland Trailblazers, it looks a whole lot brighter, in my opinion, without LA. Right now he is worth the most he is ever going to be worth. In fact I think he is becoming a softer player now, so lets trade him before too many people notice. Again, in my opinion, Hickson is exactly what you look for in a power forward. He is even developing an outside shot, which keeps the defense honest. It's laughable that Aldridge refuses to play center even thought he is 3 inches taller than Hickson and has a better inside game, when he uses it. It's pretty selfish if you ask me. Aldridge's shooting percentage is horrible, mainly because he loves him jumpers. He doesn't have a go to shot that he uses when his jump shot is failing mainly because his jumper is his go to shot. Hickson never has games where he shoots 6 of 19. Lillard and Batum are much better clutch shooter than Aldridge. I am a little sick of watching his fade away jumpers in the clutch. Everyone remembers his makes, but he has missed way more big shots than he has made over the years.

So, in the off season, I would package Alrdrige and Babbit for a good tough hard nosed center like Pecovic and an a shooting guard with passing ability that can come in off the bench or start over Mathews. Mathews who hustles, can shoot threes and is developing his penetration moves but can't pass the ball to save his life would make the perfect 6th man. He is a little bit like the microwave (Vinnie Johnson). This would dramatically help our bench scoring. It also doesn't mean he wouldn't be in during crunch time. Well, these are my thoughts. For you LA lovers it won't make sense, but I am being objective and I am right.

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