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Blazers: Passive with no leader
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  1. jonthorpe
    jonthorpe
    Posts: 125

    Posted 02/29/2012 10:56 PM

    Looking back on both losses AND WINS this season, I've noticed a common trend: There is no player who has put the team on their back.
    Frankly, I am dissapointed with 2 of Portland's best players for not stepping up and actually acting like a leader when it counts: Lamarcus Aldridge and Wesley Matthews.

    Lamarcus is amazing individually, but doesnt do anything to get his players organized and motivated - he is as quiet as Nic Batum back when he could barely speak english. It doesnt appear like he is asking for the ball when he should have it. Statistically, LA carries the weight, but as a captain and teammate, Aldridge is far too complacent. Brandon and Andre wouldve been out there yelling at their teammates to take the shots, get in positions, call out plays on defense. LA does none of this, and yet he's the team captain?

    Wesley Matthews: Our offensive problems have a lot to do with Matthew's offensive attitude and decisions on court. Has anyone actually realized how many open shots he gives up? Then what happens? Crawford, Batum, Felton, Wallace, and sometimes Aldridge ALL COPY him. When Matthews becomes passive and doesnt shoot, that is what everyone else does. This is why Portland's offense digs themselves in deep holes and then expects LA or Crawford to save them. I understand being in a shooting slump, but the only way to get out of it is to shoot more, dont turn into the Rudy of last year for god sakes!

    What are your thoughts?
    I am a fan of DEFENSE CREATES OFFENSE
  1. Daniel Slodki
    Daniel Slodki
    Posts: 15

    Posted 03/01/2012 6:06 AM

    You are right. No leader. You see it clearly with win ratio in home and road games. Leader of our team is CROWD in Rose Garden. Players hear the crowd, feel emotions, play better.
    On the road - nothing of it. No mental leader. Not to mention that Nate's coaching in final minutes is less than poor.
    I am a fan of Blazers for years !
  1. BDawg
    BDawg
    Posts: 1459

    Posted 03/02/2012 5:43 AM

    I've said it in other threads.  This team's leader...it's heart and soul...retired.  Aldridge is simply proving me a genius, displaying his Robin demeanor most prominently when Batman is most needed.  Rebuild
    I am a fan of players that play with PASSION and PRIDE
  1. BlazerManiac
    BlazerManiac
    Posts: 687

    Posted 03/02/2012 8:21 AM

    Watching the game last night, Pryz brought more leadership skills into the game when he played then they had all season.
    I am a fan of JJ the Double Double Beast.
  1. uprised
    uprised
    Posts: 131

    Posted 03/02/2012 9:34 AM

    It's disappointing.  Early in the season there were some games when LA, Camby, and Wallace showed a lot of fire and swagger.  I haven't seen that team in WEEKS.  Every single player, to a man, has been streaky and inconsistent.  I think they are all focused inwards and playing too conservative because they are worried about being part of the problem.  Felton and Crawford have not been afraid to shoot.  Working for Crawford, not working for Felton.  Batum needs to take more shots, Wallace needs to stop missing layups, and LMA needs to demand the ball from his teammates ALL NIGHT.  
    I am a fan of winning
  1. Ricky
    Ricky
    Posts: 430

    Posted 03/02/2012 9:56 AM

    At the beginning of the season I thought the blazers would be a 38 win team.  Now I reluctantly sense that we are a 33 win team and in danger of losing playoff bid.  I am very disappointed in the team so far.  There seems to be no heart.  The blazers were supposed to be a running team.  I assumed this meant that we would be an attacking team.  We are not a good team at this time and our coach does not have control of the team.  Some changes are necessary and as much as I hate to propose it I think we need to think about rebuilding.  Resurrecting the trade that moved Wallace for several first round draft choices might be the place to start.  I cannot figure out why players that come to Portland seem to play at aI production level than when they were with their previous team. 



    Until we become a rebounding team we will not be a running team.  I think we need to use a controlled fast break rather than a run and gun. 
    I am a fan of
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