Here's a list of Portland's problems from my prospective...
1. Shareef Abdur-Rahim - Unhappy, regardless if he's quoted as "accepting" his postion in Portland. He's in a contract year, playing 30 minutes a game on a team where he feels he isn't used to full potential. Shareef's saying his goodbyes to the 14 million dollar a year season's, I'm sure he isn't the happiest camper right about now. So we've established he's unhappy, Now top that off with the fact that he's played the majority of his career on losing teams. Unhappy, used to losing, it's very easy to give up faith and the effort follows right behind it.
2. Nick Van-Exel - 20 minutes a game, same situation applies here. Nick's been making lump sums for years now ever since leaving Denver, 11 million this season, now he's receiving lack luster minutes in a contract year and would be lucky to get starting money next season. Top that off with the fact that he's still disgruntled about missing out on RING opportunities, and he's been shipped around the league as though he was stamped UPS. You can see how this guy's attitude, which was already in question, may not be the best to mesh into a team enviroment.
3. Darius Miles - You think he's sick and tired of hearing about potential? I think this guy bought his own stock coming into the NBA and thought his professional was no longer on the court but in the stock market. Needless to say he'd be broke if didn't still have his athleticism. Attitude has always been in question, losing teams, and potential has been pounded into his head like a drill. This guy probably wakes up everyday feeling as though he let everyone down and didn't become the next T-Mac or Kobe.
4. Damon Stoudemire - 15 Million a year, that's a tough hit to take, I would cry when this season comes to an end, personally. Drugs. Potential. Contract Expiring. Don't mention any of that to Damon or he might over dose.
5. Sebastian Telfair - Doesn't he already have some sort of endorsements, some shoe deal or something like that? So how do you think he feels about averaging 5 minutes a game? How do you think he feels about playing behind two point guards who are both well past their prime just because Portland is paying them SO MUCH MONEY? Unhappy to say the least.
5. Theo Ratliff - Besides a stint with the 76ers, losing teams and missing money come next season after his 10 million a year expires.
6. Travis Outlaw - Was it Outlaw or woods who had the drug problems? I remember hearing one of those rookies were already stuck in the sticky of the icky down in Portland.
7. Maurice Cheeks - Staying or Going? Who knows, he doesn't.
8. Front Office - Taking ALOT of heat, must be smokey in their for obvious reasons.
9. Portland Fans - UNHAPPY! Tired of losing, Tired of problems, Tired of Bums, and soon to give up ALL FAITH FOR THIS TEAM!
10. THE FINAL THOUGHT - What do most of these players have in common? They haven't lived up to potential. Their kissing big time contracts goodbye. Their unhappy with their roles on the team. They've played for losing teams or teams who haven't fulfilled their expectations. Leaving the majority of these players unhappy, disgruntled, and ready for a change. Players battling for minutes, for new contracts, and really unconcerned about winning at this point. Team Chemistry must be non existent. Thankfully next year Portland drops A TON of dead weight contracts and can FINALLY start over, building around Telfair and Randolph, like this town has truly wanted.
