Much of that culture has been fostered by the leadership of Lillard, and on Thursday Lillard said he will be up front in addressing any potential character flaws with a free agent. “When I speak to these guys, I’m going to tell them what it is with our team and how we do things, and what will be tolerated and what won’t be,’’ Lillard said. “If we happened to get someone who, like you said, has red flags – we don’t know for sure if that’s he-said, she-said, or if it’s real. Or if it’s the situation, or the people around him, or what. “But if it comes to our culture or this individual, it will be addressed. Ain’t nobody going to back down to nobody or let someone come in here and think something is going to change, because it’s not. It’s not just me. I will be the first one to say something, because that’s just what it is,’’ Lillard said. “But I know CJ (McCollum) is going to back that up and each guy down the line is going to back it up. We show up to practice each day to work , we show up on time, we hold each other accountable and we allow out teammates to hold each other accountable and that’s the bottom line. We don’t do the cute stuff … we show up and do what we do, that’s it. If you don’t want to do it, then it won’t work.’’ http://www.csnnw.com/portland-trail...-being-briefed-trail-blazers-plan-free-agency
I'm just really wondering if maybe Whiteside is the smokescreen and Howard is the target. Dame's quote about "he said, she said" and not standing for nonsense.... I just think that sounds like Dwight.
I love - LOVE - the notion of Dame showing up to a meeting with a free agent and telling him what won't be allowed in his house. Fuck the groveling and sucking up. Dame's going to make the FA ask to come to him.
I am not sure Howard was ever a real option for the Blazers cause of his history and as much as i think there comes a time to take a gamble not sure Howard is worth the risk.
He mentioned as much at the end of the season in an interview when asked if he was going to do any recruiting. http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/i...ers_best_pitch_to_free_agents_culture_an.html
I hate it. Kobe did the same at the Dwight Howard and Aldridge meetings. They ran off. Who wouldn't. When you walk into a store or restaurant, do you want the greeter to treat you like that? Why doesn't Lillard just bring a stick and beat up the free agent to show him who's boss.