Joe Freeman tweets

[SlyPokerDog]

I asked LaMarcus Aldridge if, as a team captain, it was time for him to personally call out his teammates. His response?

“We’re past that point,” Aldridge said. “For me, it’s not about talking. You can challenge guys. You can talk. But we’re past that."

Aldridge cont: "We’re below .500, we’ve been blown out 2 or 3 times this year — twice on national television. ..." (cont)

Aldridge cont: "Challenging guys isn’t going to do anything ... it’s all of us taking ownership on our situation and playing better.”

Aldridge called Friday night his most embarrassing moment in the NBA.

Nicolas Batum was asked if the #Blazers disrespected their coaching staff with Friday night's performance. His reply?

“Not just the coaches,” Batum said. “The organization, the city, everybody. The fans watching us, supporting us. Because what we showed ..."

Batum cont: "... We disrespected ourselves, disrespected everybody around this team who likes and works for this team. That’s unacceptable.”

I wondered what Coach Mac's postgame demeanor would be liked and half expected him to go postal. Instead, he was tight-lipped and short.

McMillan answered just 5 or 6 questions over 1:49 before ending what was perhaps his shortest postgame interview session with #Blazers.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Cont...

Coach Mac held a long open forum after game in which any player/any coach could say whatever he wanted. No one would reveal what was said.

 

[illmatic99]

I like the attitude from the two guys I want to stay on the team moving forward. How we respond to this could be LA's defining moment as a leader of this team, much like how that famed locker room burst by Brandon over Zbo his rookie year established this team as Brandon's from that moment forward.

Then again, maybe I'm just grasping at straws...

 

[B-Roy]

Cont...

Coach Mac held a long open forum after game in which any player/any coach could say whatever he wanted. No one would reveal what was said.

Anyone want to take a guess? I'll go first.

Felton: I need more shots.

Aldridge: I need better teammates.

 

[Rhal]

Cont...

Coach Mac held a long open forum after game in which any player/any coach could say whatever he wanted. No one would reveal what was said.

Felton: Anyone know when Voodoo Donuts opens?

 

[Nikolokolus]

I feel kinda bad for some of the guys who I think care most of the time. What a dismal culture that's infected this group. Too many Bobcats?

 

[barfo]

Babbitt: Whoo! Great game! Let's do that again tomorrow!

barfo

 

[RR7]

Babbitt: Whoo! Great game! Let's do that again tomorrow!

barfo

i laughed

 

[Sinobas]

Quick says it's Felton, Camby and Wallace who are the trio who are "not caring". I can believe it. Camby is too old to care, and is probably thinking about retirement. Felton is probably bitter that he sucks and has just mentally quit.

I"m very disappointed in Wallace though. He just hasn't brought it this year, and doesn't play with near the energy he used to. Quick says Felton has been a bad influence on him. But still, it's more than just those guys....we have guys that care but just aren't playing well.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Whether or not they are trying, they would be the three I would try to move. I like Crawford because I like players who can make a jump shot off the dribble. (And we have so few of them) But it looks doubtfull that he will be around next year so he would be the 4th guy. Try to get a draft pick and ending contracts.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

Sorry to say, but guys are going to quit when they see their game plan is trash and won't work. All of these players would benefit from a new and better coach.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Sorry to say, but guys are going to quit when they see their game plan is trash and won't work. All of these players would benefit from a new and better coach.

Good to know. NO trades. Resign them all in the off season. All we need is a new and better coach. Whew that makes things a lot easier.

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

Cont...

Coach Mac held a long open forum after game in which any player/any coach could say whatever he wanted. No one would reveal what was said.

I actually think that if you want to hear what players are really thinking that you talk to them 2,3 or 4 at a time; i think they will be more candid about the coaching and other players in that environment.

 

[jlprk]

Good to know. NO trades. Resign them all in the off season. All we need is a new and better coach. Whew that makes things a lot easier.

That's why it's the best answer. Replacing most of a team isn't practical or possible, but replacing a coach is.

 

[jlprk]

It's so typical of the Oregonian to find nefarious malevolent characters lurking on the team, instead of the obvious analysis of what causes decreases motivation. The coach.