For Portland Trail Blazers fans, few “what if” scenarios are as tantalizing as the potential of the trio of Greg Oden, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Brandon Roy. Greg Oden, the towering center with a defensive prowess, LaMarcus Aldridge, the versatile power forward with a smooth mid-range game, and Brandon Roy, the dynamic guard with an all-around skill set, could have formed one of the most best trios in the league. Unfortunately, injuries derailed what could have been a dynasty.
When the Blazers drafted Greg Oden with the first overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the expectations were sky-high. Oden was seen as a generational talent, a dominant force in the paint who could change the trajectory of the franchise. Paired with LaMarcus Aldridge, the second overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, and Brandon Roy, the 2007 NBA Rookie of the Year, the Blazers had a core that seemed destined for greatness.
In the limited time they played together, the trio showed flashes of brilliance. They had a combined record of 52-12 in games where all three were on the court. This statistic alone hints at the potential dominance they could have achieved over a full season or multiple seasons.
Greg Oden believes that a Big 3 of him, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Brandon Roy would’ve been special if they had all stayed healthy
(🎥 @theOGsShow / https://t.co/thUtwY13Qh) pic.twitter.com/Yc5emKz0xV
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 5, 2024
However, the reality was far less kind. Greg Oden’s career was marred by injuries from the start. He missed his entire rookie season due to microfracture surgery on his knee and played only 82 games over his entire NBA career. Brandon Roy, despite his early success, was plagued by chronic knee issues that forced him into early retirement. LaMarcus Aldridge, while having a successful career, often found himself carrying the burden alone as his teammates struggled to stay healthy.
Oden’s defensive presence and rebounding would have anchored the team, allowing Aldridge to focus on his scoring and mid-range game. Roy’s ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others would have made the offense dynamic and unpredictable.
