Aldridge starts over, with same team

By Anne M. Peterson

Associated Press

Published: Thursday, Oct. 18 2012 1:55 p.m. MDT

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FILE - In this Dec. 16, 2011, file photo, Portland Trail Blazers' LaMarcus Aldridge poses for a photo during NBA basketball media day, in Portland, Ore. Aldridge is getting a fresh start with his old team. No, Aldridge never left the Trail Blazers, but this season is decidedly different for the All-Star forward.

Rick Bowmer, File, Associated Press

Summary

LaMarcus Aldridge is getting a fresh start with his old team.

PORTLAND, Ore. — LaMarcus Aldridge is getting a fresh start with his old team.

No, Aldridge never left the Trail Blazers, but this season is decidedly different for the All-Star forward.

The Blazers finished last season 28-38 and out of the playoffs for the first time in four years. They dismissed head coach Nate McMillan and let go of some of their more veteran players, choosing to build around Aldridge and swingman Nicolas Batum.

Aldridge is starting his seventh season with the Blazers. He's averaging 17.8 points and 7.5 rebounds for his career, but last season he averaged 21.7 points, eight rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting a career-high 51.2 percent. And he made his first All-Star team.

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