Someone in Blaverville, either the coaching staff, management or even the players needs to step up and explain that everyone can't be happy. Yes, on paper, a lot of the Blazers could very well start on other teams. But looking at the teams normally successful in the History of the NBA have sure-fire starters and role players that play limited minutes and specific roles on the team. What are the roles? Do we even need to find new personnel? 1. The GO TO GUYS: In the basic formula of a successful team, usually the "rule of thumb" is two superstars. So who are they? My guess right now is Roy and Aldridge. Roy: In order for Roy to be a superstar, IMHO is he needs to be completely unselfish. Make other players better. Of course he needs to score, but when? I think he scores when the team needs him to score. Like taking over the 4th, or scoring when the team struggles. Let him facilitate and be the decoy for most the game, making sure all the role players and other stars get theirs. Aldridge: What will make him a superstar? Personally, I don't think shooting from the perimeter. Most "Superstar" PFs are players that dominate the paint. They score at will, regardless if you double them. They rebound, defend and have recognition to outlet to the open 3 or cutter to the basket. I think in order for his to be exalted to "Superstar Status" he needs to be this guy. Of course he uses his range to shoot from the perimeter from time to time, even use Nate's high pick and pops as well. But he needs to dominate the paint. 2.) Outside Shooters: In my opinion, the Blazers already have these types of players. They are the ones parking themselves on both wings, ready to punish you doubling their post players. Blake, Webster, Fernandez, Roy and even Batum all have this ability. For the most part, I think the Blazers may have "Too Many" shooters on the team. Maybe reduce this, for other "role players" 3.) Defensive specialists: These are the players assigned to guard the other team's best players. Ariza and Bynum were the defensive specialists for the Lakers last year. Ariza guarded the best perimeter player, while Bynum protected anything trying to work inside. Do the Blazers have these players already? I think so. Webster, Oden and Batum can fit this mold. Webster and Batum can take turns keeping the PRESSURE on the perimeter stars, while Oden concentrates on the interior scoring and rebounding. If Oden can lower his damn fouls of course! 4.) Mental Toughness: This is one of the main things that sets champions from pretenders. In the post season, mental warfare is one of the many tools other teams use to take you off your game. Like Phil saying “The best team money can buy” regarding the 2000 Blazers of old, or when he said “They were like Jackals” setting a fire to his team to try and destroy them the next game. The coach and superstars are the ones their players look up to. When they see their stars and coaches falter, they begin to second-guess the team and everything snowballs. It’s up to the stars and coaches to make sure they never crack. 5.) Playing Time: For me, I think this is extremely important for a contender. You need the players you put your chips on to play together. Make that decision on the players the coaching staff believes will take them to the next level. If it’s Oden, Blake or Miller, Roy, Aldridge and Webster or Batum, then you give at least 65% of all the desired minutes to them. Live and die with this until they get used to each other. They may lose more games in the process, but once it clicks, it will be a monster that can’t be stopped. There will be so many players unhappy with their Reduced roles but the Blazers aren’t trying to run for president. And if some leave because they are unhappy, then find players that will be more than willing to come play for a championship contender. Believe me, there are more than some.
