LaMarcus Could Learn Humility After Team USA

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Andrew Tonry, GoLocalPDX Contributor

While LaMarcus Aldridge snubbed Team USA, Damian Lillard kept at it until the very end. The difference showed a lot about the competitive spirit of the two. If Aldridge wants to be the Blazer's best player, he might have something to learn from his teammate.

Back in my natural habitat! Throw more wood on the fire . Thankful for the opportunity And guys please don't feel sorry. I'm always Good!
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) August 23, 2014

It's a lesson--and an attitude--that LaMarcus Aldridge ought to heed: To accomplish something great one must accept the possibility of failure.

For Aldridge, too, was in consideration to represent Team USA this September at the FIBA World Cup in Spain.

But in July he dropped out.

Besides Aldridge himself, no one can say exactly why Portland's All-Star power made the decision.

But it's not hard to guess.

At the time, with Kevin Love and Blake Griffin in the mix, Aldridge faced stiff competition on the block. If he made the team, minutes would be in short supply. He would almost certainly come off the bench.

According to NBA.com's Hangtime blog, when Aldridge reneged, USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo was less than pleased:

"Colangelo didn’t expect the guys with multiple Olympic medals to play this summer. And he understands why

(Kawahi) Leonard withdrew after a long NBA season. But it was clear on Monday that he was disappointed with

another “no thanks” from Aldridge. “We can only offer an opportunity,” Colangelo said, “and then they can either

accept or not. In Aldridge’s case, this has happened a couple of times previously. But the bottom line is he advised

us that he’s not available.”

But then, in late July, the remainder of Team USA's presumptive power forwards started dropping like flies. Kevin Love, in the midst of trade talks, balked. Blake Griffin needed more time to recover from an injured back.

Suddenly, Team USA's front line was in tatters. Players well below Aldridge's pedigree and stature were invited to try out at the last minute.

Meanwhile, Damian Lillard--himself a longshot to make the team--soldiered on.

And while he came up just short, Lillard understands his commission was by no means a knock on his game--it was a matter of circumstance. As he mentioned, the experience was an "opportunity" and it's hard to believe that, regardless of coming up short, he didn't emerge better for it.

At practice and in warm-up games, Lillard received coaching by renowned Duke University head coach Mike Krzyzewski. Surely there was something worthwhile in strategy or criticism.

Lillard also got the chance to play with--and against--a veritable All-Star team. Again, it's hard to believe that playing alongside some of the best players in the country doesn't make you a better.

Indeed, besides stoking competitive flames for next time, even getting cut offered value.

Making the team, of course, would've added a whole lot more.

Sticking it out

And that's where, in all likelihood, Aldridge would be right now had he stuck around. As the saying goes: "next man up"--when the opportunity comes, be ready to make the most of it.

Had Aldridge remained with Team USA he'd likely be not only starting, but as a cog in the offensive wheel. He'd also have the opportunity to play a big game on hostile turf, as the tournament takes place on Spanish soil and odds heavily favor a Spain-USA final.

For Aldridge--and every other member of Team USA who hasn't won an NBA or NCAA title--it would've offered the chance to actually win something. (Far as I can tell, while playing at Seagoville High School, Aldridge never won a state championship.)

But the value of playing for Team USA extend beyond this season. Aldridge could've been developing bonds with fellow All-Star caliber teammates, which could pay off in years to come as the Blazers try to build through free agency. (Remember the widely disseminated rumors that the Heat's Big Three--LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh--became friends and vowed to play together after spending time together on Team USA.)

Instead though, we'll be stuck wondering what could've been. If LaMarcus could've improved his game before choosing there were better ways too spend his summer vacation.

And as much as this thing is about missed opportunities, it's about competitive drive--or lack thereof.

To be the best you've got to beat the best. And to do something great, you're going to have to fail.

By competing to the end, Damian Lillard displayed such determination, not through words, but deeds. And to such examples, Aldridge should take note.

As he remarked at the end of last season, Aldridge wants to be seen as "the best Blazer. Ever."

That's going to be a near impossible if he's not even the most competitive player the team today.

To borrow a phrase from Lillard, Aldridge too could use "a little more wood for the fire."