You're making it seem like Portland was cool with how things turned out. They have good coaching to make up for what they lost (low expectations also helps out)
They shifted their offense because they had to, not because they wanted to show they needed Aldridge. Regardless, this doesn't compare to Melo even if you believe PPG is overrated
Aldridge is a good player(and better than Melo obviously), but wasnt a max guy imo...but replacing him with cheaper guys like Plumlee and Davis were both solid moves. Blazers are in a good spot.