THE SURPRISES
LaMarcus Aldridge being so determined to leave the Blazers - One of the truly surprising developments leading up to the free agency period was the decision of Aldridge to leave the Blazers, no matter what. He isn't even giving them a chance to make an offer first. He just moved on to setting up talks with new teams. My guess is Aldridge did not like the perception that the Blazers are Lillard's team, so he's out there looking for a team to be "his". And this is a team that made strong playoff runs the last two years, with Aldridge loggin in back to back 40 point games last year against a strong Rockets team.
Greg Monroe unwanted by the Pistons - Really? A young, strong, skilled center who averaged 15.9 points and 10.2 rebounds is someone the Pistons doesn't want? Either they know something I don't (which is extremely possible) or Stan Van Gundy has lost his mind. If he really is a misfit int he system Van Gundy wants to install, then do a sign and trade, get a good stretch four like Ryan Anderson for him. If they just let Monroe walk away and sign with (heaven forbid) the New York Knicks, the Pistons will be kicking themselves all season long, especially after Melo and Monroe kick the Pistons' butts over and over again.
