I think he has been ordained the leader by Blazer brass. I think he considers himself a leader and so far, he's showing to the world he's a leader. He's far from perfect but at least he's taking it seriously. It's his team. Period. I get frustrated when he jacks up a quick...and deep...three. But, as far as I'm concerned, that's his prerogative. I've never met or heard of a good leader that didn't make a boneheaded move or three. Good leaders learn from failure. He's never missed a game in his career. He plays with pain...including the current torn finger nail. He respects the game and works extremely hard at his skills. He's a good teammate who doesn't piss those mates off by trying to bend them to his will by being an asshole, ala Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. Dame's the most well known and marketable Blazer (outside the state) and since Clyde Drexler. He has a great deal of respect around the league from players and management alike. He keeps his nose clean and reps the city, the fans and the game exceedingly well. And he's proven that basketball players (especially young black players from tough backgrounds) can have other options and opportunities outside the game if they choose to apply themselves. He regularly gives of himself to the communities of Portland, Oakland and Ogden. He plays on a team of young newbies of indeterminate talent and even more indeterminate confidence. If he doesn't step up and lead the way, who does? The man has the heart of a lion. And how much more proof and how many examples does a reasonable person need anyway. The guy is a leader. The guy is THE leader. All you doubters and haters need to get over it. Time to move on...