Forward LaMarcus Aldridge is expecting a not so warm welcome when his new team, the San Antonio Spurs, head to the Moda Center to take on the Portland Trail Blazers next season.
Aldridge played all nine of his NBA seasons with the Blazers and constantly improved through the years, becoming one of the cornerstones of the franchise.
Because of this, the four-time All-Star believes the fans in Portland will express their dismay on his decision to leave his former team and join the Spurs when he returns there for the first time this coming 2015-16 season.
Speaking on ESPN Radio's "The Russillo Show" last Monday, Aldridge discussed his great relationship with the city of Portland and how the Blazers transformed into the franchise it is now.
Although he added, "I think going back [to Portland] my first time might be boos because I think people are really hurt by my decision. They don't understand why I left. So I think my first game back, I probably will be booed."
Like any other star tandem parting ways, Aldridge's departure linked him to an alleged misunderstanding with fellow All-Star point guard and former teammate Damian Lillard.
But the 30-year-old player downplayed the issue and shared that he had a great relationship with Lillard.
"We got along very well during the season. I thought we played well off of each other. So, all of that stuff is just rumors that I've dealt with before. Me leaving had nothing to do with any of that," Aldridge stated.
He added that his desire to be close to his family and friends and also to have new scenery brought him closer to his decision of signing with San Antonio.
But Aldridge said that the Blazers, along with the Spurs and the Phoenix Suns, were always in the running when he was making his decision on which team he would sign for.
