"LaMarcus Aldridge on Monday learned he got one more vote to strengthen his chances at making the All-Star Game -- Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks being the latest to reveal he voted for the Trail Blazers forward to make the Western Conference roster.

But right now, Aldridge and the Blazers would probably trade his certain All-Star berth for another title: Closer.

Never has the retirement of Brandon Roy this season been felt so much as in late-game situations for the Blazers, who find themselves routinely in position to win games, but painfully absent when it comes time to do what made Roy a legend around here: closing. "