Transcript: Blazers F LaMarcus Aldridge Discusses Groin Injury

Portland Trail Blazers All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge discussed his groin injury with media members at the Moda Center on Wednesday.

The organization announced Tuesday that Aldridge would be sidelined for a week with an injury. Aldridge was unwilling to commit to returning in exactly a week but he generally downplayed the severity of the injury.

Here's a transcript of his comments, made prior to Portland's game against the San Antonio Spurs.

Did you expect this injury would sideline you this long?

We just are being cautious right now. We all talked about it, it's just the best thing to do right now.

What's wrong exactly?

Just an inflamed groin. I tweaked it so many times that it needs time to heal.

When did you first feel injury?

I really didn't start feeling it until maybe the Minnesota game. It wasn't really bad ever. It was kind of nagging, it gets worse at night, after I play. We looked at it and this is what we're going to do.

Treatment you can do?

There's treatment. You can do things to make the muscles around it stronger and the joint. Ice it and just rest.

Regret playing in All-Star Game?

No. I had just played in that back-to-back and I was fine, maybe a little sore. I had two or three days going into that game to rest, I played 14 or 15 minutes, it wasn't like it was a highly competitive game.

Is that why you played limited minutes in the All-Star Game?

That's what the coach gave me. That wasn't me.

Confident you will be back in one week?

I can't say that. I never dealt with this. I don't know how much time it can take to heal. Hopefully I am.

Injuries to you, Joel Freeland, Meyers Leonard

It's tough but we have guys that can play. We always have guys that are ready to step in. Now guys get their chance.

When is your next check-up?

A week. Next Tuesday.

Related to any other injury?

Nah. Nothing like that. People pull groins all the time. It's not about a hip, it's about playing hard and things happen.

Can you practice?

No running, no jumping until next week. A week from now.

A blessing in disguise to get some time off in the middle of the season?

I never want time off but it can definitely help some nagging injuries that I've had this season go away.

Worried that it's more serious?

No. If I couldn't play those last two games, then maybe. But not no. I played in those games. Just trying to make sure it's nothing lingering later on.

Would you play tonight if it was a playoff game?

I'll do whatevs. Right now it's not good to play with it. I want it to get better, that's the case.

Is there a test you have to pass to get cleared?

Just feeling. Not feeling any discomfort, soreness, and go from there.

Constant pain or when you move?

Certain movements.

What do you want to see from the team?

I think guys are going to step up. We have a lot of guys that have been wanting opportunities. We have a lot of guys that can take their games to the next level. I think guys are going to play well.

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter