From Quick's recap, and apparently Brandon is fed up and started calling out teammates if they start playing like crap defensively. Good to hear this from our leader, and them emphasizing in practice our crappy pick and roll defense. I guess we'll see if they mean it on Sunday against San Antonio, but I'm actually happy to hear this. At least they're going to try to get on each other if the defense keeps stinking it up. http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2009/02/roy_barks_and_defense_bites.html
If this takes hold then Brandon and the team have a golden opportunity to experience real growth ... this is the main reason many felt a veteran defensive presence was needed on this team; not only somebody to play good individual and team defense, but somebody who can hold others accountable for their fuck-ups. Now if LaMarcus can get in on the act it's good times.
Jerryd tried it a few weeks ago with TO and it just slid off his teflon-coated skull. I hope Roy has the gravitas in the lockerroom to get through to the players that defense is what gets you to the playoffs. Regardless of the individual players' shortcomings on defense, there's zero reason why our team D should be this bad. Of course, if Brandon is going to bitch, he has to raise the level of his own D.
Correct. And while it's not like it's Zach Randolph calling out other players for their poor defense, Brandon has been slacking off on defense lately.
I can envision Brandon doing this. However, I have a hard time envisioning LaMarcus standing up to his teammates. Joel has sort of taken the big-man vocal leader role. But it would be nice to see if LaMarcus can develop some of that fire in him if he feels like someone's not holding up their end on the court. And I can't ever imagine Greg being a vocal leader on the court. Big G.O. is a little unstable mentally right now, but maybe in a few years if he can avoid injuries, he could be someone in the paint that can direct traffic.
Well, I hope he follows through on that. I've mentioned more than once that a player or two (Joel would be a good candidate. Maybe that chair kicking Blake ) need to get angry every once in a while.
'bout time. Roy has taken on that role in most other aspects of the game, I'm surprised it took him so long to realize the need to do so defensively.
Interesting. IF it's true that Roy was the one who "vetoed" trades involving Travis, it's kind of funny that some of this "stubbing" toes, would fall squarely on the feet of Travis.
This is the very best kind of team conflict, and I'm glad to hear that Brandon is starting to instigate it. They SHOULD be angry when the team gets beat on a pick and roll. They SHOULD challenge themselves and each other to step it up every single game. We are witnessing another step in the maturation of our kids... (sniff) They grow up so quick! (But not nearly quick enough for some fans... )
While not the worst defender skill-wise, Roy coasts more on defense than anyone on the team, especially during the first 3 quarters, seeming content to be scored on as long as he can score in return. I can't recall a single game this year where his defense impressed me. He needs to lead by example first, or his words will be wasted. Joel is the only one who has room to criticize others about defense.
Yea I think it is hilarious that when Bayless is out on the floor he is constantly telling guys like Tlaw what to do, because after 5 years in the league he still doesn't know what to do. Half of defense is effort, the other half is communication.
I think Roy is self-aware enough to know that he has to up his game as much as anyone. From the AP recap after the Minnie game:
Good. I'm glad others here have picked up on this. When I read the article I first found it a bit hypocritical. Roy should not be immune to criticism about his defense. Although he has shown he is capable of good defense, Roy's defense isn't any better than anyone else's, and if he's going to starting barking at guys someone needs to bark at him when he's not doing his part, too. Thank god we've got Joel. I've seen Joel get on guys for hanging him out to dry, but it really is going to take Brandon getting in on the act, and upping his own defensive intensity, for it to have a team-wide impact.
