They all are, and that’s what makes these Blazers unique. They start one rookie (forward Nicolas Batum) and count three others (Rudy Fernandez, Greg Oden and Sergio Rodriguez) as rotation regulars. For a team so young, they seem to lack the type of petty jealousies and insecurities which can create dissension.
“We just have a bunch of selfless dudes,” Roy said. “There’s no alpha dog in here.”
Fortunately for the Blazers, Roy’s bite is worse than his bark. He’s become more vocal on the court – last month, he chirped at Lakers forward Trevor Ariza for his flagrant foul on Fernandez – but it’s his play that has made him Portland’s unquestioned leader. A two-time NBA All-Star in just his third season, Roy has thrived in pressure moments, a skill that could serve him well in the playoffs.
“That’s where Brandon Roy is so far ahead of the curve for a young guy,” said Nuggets coach George Karl. “Nate’s given him an advanced course in understanding close games.”
The rest of the Blazers fall in line behind their 24-year-old captain. Six-foot-11 forward LaMarcus Aldridge is a matchup nightmare for opponents because of his versatility and range. Even Oden, whose injuries and subsequent struggles caused him to withdraw from teammates earlier in the season, has come to embrace his role off the bench. No longer does he seem so aloof.
