Blazers Players Answer Questions, Create Another.

They made it to media day, before feeling the effects of talent instead of chemistry.

 

Brandon Roy was adamant that he was more comfortable with Steve Blake in the starting line-up then new comer Andre Miller.

 

Meanwhile the rest of the organization is preaching sacrifice for the betterment of the team.

 

But if your “Franchise Player” wants to have his cake and eat it too, how long will it take for the rest of the franchise to follow suit?

 

I can understand why Brandon wants Blake in the starting unit, Brandon plays better with the ball in his hand and Steve has no issues deferring the point guard duties to Brandon. Brandon is more than capable of producing offense for himself, but rarely does he create for others unless they are waiting behind the arc.

 

That’s not what’s best for the team. Andre needs to be the starting point guard, so that more than just Brandon gets the ball when they need it.

 

Steve’s on the ball defense is serviceable at best. Andre’s on the ball defense is even less, however Andre will organize the team, call out the opposing play and ensure that everyone else is in position to make it difficult on the opposition.

 

Andre led the NBA in allyoop assists last year. Greg Oden for one could use some easy buckets early to really get him excited about each game. LaMarcus Aldridge runs the floor like a Small Forward and Nicolas Batum cant, or won’t, put the ball on the floor so a meet me at the rim style of play could benefit everyone else in the starting lineup.

 

All this means that Brandon and Andre have one month to get on the same page, or the free agent signing that had Blazer fans a blaze this summer could go up in smoke!

 

- Kurt Valentine