It's Now All About The T.E.A.M.

[ABM]

Good read from Jason Quick

The Trail Blazers might think they are entering Tuesday's season opener against Houston armed with everything they need to make a long run in the playoffs, if not a shot at the NBA title.

But former Blazers standout Steve Smith says the Rose Garden locker room needs one more thing: A mirror.

"For them, the big contracts, the individual awards, it's all there now," said Smith, who is now an analyst for NBA TV. "But they have to look at themselves in the mirror and ask one thing: 'Am I playing for a ring, or am I playing for myself?'"

Legendary Blazers center Bill Walton delivered a similar message earlier in the month, saying this season's Blazers have all the pieces in place. Now it's up to the players and coach Nate McMillan to make it work.

"But it won't happen unless each and every one of those guys puts their individual agendas aside," Walton said. "It can't be about contracts ... it can't be about playing time, stats or numbers. To beat the Lakers, to beat San Antonio, to beat Boston, Cleveland ... you are going to have to play as a team."

It figures to be the undercurrent of the Blazers season: Will players be willing to make individual sacrifices to help the team reach its potential?

Smith was a central figure on the last Blazers teams to be faced with the same question..............

 

[SnakeOiler]

Steve smith has no ring. He may be right but is only saying what someone else told him. Hollow advice coming from him.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

Steve smith has no ring. He may be right but is only saying what someone else told him. Hollow advice coming from him.

I don't see how that matters.

 

[Haakzilla]

...the dynasty begins in 2010!!!

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Steve smith has no ring. He may be right but is only saying what someone else told him. Hollow advice coming from him.

Psst.....

Steve Smith won a ring with the Spurs.