Roy not taking crappy play anymore

[alex42083]

From Quick's recap, and apparently Brandon is fed up and started calling out teammates if they start playing like crap defensively.
Good to hear this from our leader, and them emphasizing in practice our crappy pick and roll defense. I guess we'll see if they mean it on Sunday against San Antonio, but I'm actually happy to hear this. At least they're going to try to get on each other if the defense keeps stinking it up.

http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2009/02/roy_barks_and_defense_bites.html

MINNEAPOLIS -- On a quiet flight over the Midwest late Wednesday, team leader Brandon Roy sat by himself on Blazer One and made a decision that could very well alter the direction of the Trail Blazers' season.

It was time, Roy decided, to start calling out teammates. Time for him to hold players accountable. Time that Roy lost his Mr. Nice Guy persona on the court.

So with a sharp bark and a steely stare, Roy on Friday not only led the Blazers to a dominating 102-82 victory over Minnesota, he dictated the tone and message that figures to echo for the rest of the season:

Do your job or count on hearing from Roy about it.

"I don't really care if I hurt somebody's feelings, or stub somebody's toe," Roy said. "This is bigger than one guy now; this is about the team. I'm going to let you know now. Because I want this bad."

The "this" Roy was referring to is the playoffs. The Blazers (36-22) are in the middle of a nip-and-tuck Western Conference race, where four games separate the difference between home court in the first round and not making the postseason.

..

So during Thursday's practice and Friday's shootaround, center Joel Przybilla said the Blazers' focus turned to their shoddy pick-and-roll defense, with emphasis placed on communication. In addition, they talked about tightening the lane, deterring guards from penetrating.

 

[julius]

deterring guards from penetrating? Is "penetrating" another way of saying "having a wide open lane"?

 

[Nikolokolus]

If this takes hold then Brandon and the team have a golden opportunity to experience real growth ... this is the main reason many felt a veteran defensive presence was needed on this team; not only somebody to play good individual and team defense, but somebody who can hold others accountable for their fuck-ups.

Now if LaMarcus can get in on the act it's good times.

 

[ucatchtrout]

Well, he can start by jumping his boy Travis ass.

 

[OddEnormous]

"We had a lot of arguments tonight," Roy said. "I thought it was good because it wasn't just me, it was other guys, too. And it was good because it was about defense. I don't care if we argue, as long as if we are arguing over coverages or not being in right spots. I think it was a step tonight."

 

[maxiep]

Jerryd tried it a few weeks ago with TO and it just slid off his teflon-coated skull. I hope Roy has the gravitas in the lockerroom to get through to the players that defense is what gets you to the playoffs. Regardless of the individual players' shortcomings on defense, there's zero reason why our team D should be this bad. Of course, if Brandon is going to bitch, he has to raise the level of his own D.

 

[julius]

Jerryd tried it a few weeks ago with TO and it just slid off his teflon-coated skull. I hope Roy has the gravitas in the lockerroom to get through to the players that defense is what gets you to the playoffs. Regardless of the individual players' shortcomings on defense, there's zero reason why our team D should be this bad. Of course, if Brandon is going to bitch, he has to raise the level of his own D.

Correct. And while it's not like it's Zach Randolph calling out other players for their poor defense, Brandon has been slacking off on defense lately.

 

[alex42083]

If this takes hold then Brandon and the team have a golden opportunity to experience real growth ... this is the main reason many felt a veteran defensive presence was needed on this team; not only somebody to play good individual and team defense, but somebody who can hold others accountable for their fuck-ups.

Now if LaMarcus can get in on the act it's good times.

I can envision Brandon doing this. However, I have a hard time envisioning LaMarcus standing up to his teammates. Joel has sort of taken the big-man vocal leader role.
But it would be nice to see if LaMarcus can develop some of that fire in him if he feels like someone's not holding up their end on the court.

And I can't ever imagine Greg being a vocal leader on the court. Big G.O. is a little unstable mentally right now, but maybe in a few years if he can avoid injuries, he could be someone in the paint that can direct traffic.

 

[B-Roy]

KP: Oh noez, our chemistry!

 

[Nikolokolus]

KP: Oh noez, our chemistry!

That's pretty funny

 

[Entity]

Well, I hope he follows through on that. I've mentioned more than once that a player or two (Joel would be a good candidate. Maybe that chair kicking Blake ) need to get angry every once in a while.

 

[handiman]

'bout time. Roy has taken on that role in most other aspects of the game, I'm surprised it took him so long to realize the need to do so defensively.

 

[julius]

Interesting. IF it's true that Roy was the one who "vetoed" trades involving Travis, it's kind of funny that some of this "stubbing" toes, would fall squarely on the feet of Travis.

 

[TripTango]

This is the very best kind of team conflict, and I'm glad to hear that Brandon is starting to instigate it. They SHOULD be angry when the team gets beat on a pick and roll. They SHOULD challenge themselves and each other to step it up every single game.

We are witnessing another step in the maturation of our kids... (sniff)

They grow up so quick! (But not nearly quick enough for some fans... )

 

[Kaydow]

I can envision Brandon doing this. However, I have a hard time envisioning LaMarcus standing up to his teammates. Joel has sort of taken the big-man vocal leader role.
But it would be nice to see if LaMarcus can develop some of that fire in him if he feels like someone's not holding up their end on the court.

And I can't ever imagine Greg being a vocal leader on the court. Big G.O. is a little unstable mentally right now, but maybe in a few years if he can avoid injuries, he could be someone in the paint that can direct traffic.

LOL

"Unstable mentally"?

 

[MARIS61]

While not the worst defender skill-wise, Roy coasts more on defense than anyone on the team, especially during the first 3 quarters, seeming content to be scored on as long as he can score in return.

I can't recall a single game this year where his defense impressed me.

He needs to lead by example first, or his words will be wasted.

Joel is the only one who has room to criticize others about defense.

 

[hasoos]

Yea I think it is hilarious that when Bayless is out on the floor he is constantly telling guys like Tlaw what to do, because after 5 years in the league he still doesn't know what to do. Half of defense is effort, the other half is communication.

 

[TripTango]

While not the worst defender skill-wise, Roy coasts more on defense than anyone on the team, especially during the first 3 quarters, seeming content to be scored on as long as he can score in return.

I can't recall a single game this year where his defense impressed me.

He needs to lead by example first, or his words will be wasted.

Joel is the only one who has room to criticize others about defense.

I think Roy is self-aware enough to know that he has to up his game as much as anyone. From the AP recap after the Minnie game:

Sitting on the team flight after Portland's second straight loss earlier in the week, Brandon Roy thought to himself."Something about me has got to get better," he said. "Something about me has to improve."

 

[Haakzilla]

...it is about damn time!!!

 

[BBert]

When those principles were not carried out, the normally complacent Blazers started chipping at each other. First Roy. Then Przybilla. Then Przybilla to Roy. And so on.

Good. I'm glad others here have picked up on this. When I read the article I first found it a bit hypocritical. Roy should not be immune to criticism about his defense. Although he has shown he is capable of good defense, Roy's defense isn't any better than anyone else's, and if he's going to starting barking at guys someone needs to bark at him when he's not doing his part, too. Thank god we've got Joel. I've seen Joel get on guys for hanging him out to dry, but it really is going to take Brandon getting in on the act, and upping his own defensive intensity, for it to have a team-wide impact.

 

[Spud147]

From Quick's recap, and apparently Brandon is fed up and started calling out teammates if they start playing like crap defensively.
Good to hear this from our leader, and them emphasizing in practice our crappy pick and roll defense. I guess we'll see if they mean it on Sunday against San Antonio, but I'm actually happy to hear this. At least they're going to try to get on each other if the defense keeps stinking it up.

http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2009/02/roy_barks_and_defense_bites.html

Leadership and open communication. Go Brandon, get the guys a little angry and fired up!

 

[MAS RipCity]

Great, my only complaint...why the hell did it take so long?

 

[Nikolokolus]

While not the worst defender skill-wise, Roy coasts more on defense than anyone on the team, especially during the first 3 quarters, seeming content to be scored on as long as he can score in return.

I can't recall a single game this year where his defense impressed me.

He needs to lead by example first, or his words will be wasted.

Joel is the only one who has room to criticize others about defense.

I agree, Roy's defense leaves a lot to be desired, but there's also a legitimate reason for it. Teams' number one scoring options almost always conserve energy on the defensive end of the court in the NBA -- There are exceptions like Bryant or James, and it's taken Lebron about 5 or 6 years in the league to finally start playing committed defense for a full game.

I do think Roy needs to show a little more effort on the defensive end (especially on weak-side or help defense) but there's a fine balance that has to be struck with expending too much and not enough effort; most of this should improve as he logs more years in the league.

 

[BBert]

What you say about 'stars' saving it for offense and key defensive plays is true, Nikolokulos.

However, a 'leader' cannot expect his teammates to bust their asses on defense without leading by example, especially if he's riding their asses for not doing what he's not doing. The double standard will lead to resentment -- then -- he's not leading anybody.

 

[PapaG]

If this takes hold then Brandon and the team have a golden opportunity to experience real growth ... this is the main reason many felt a veteran defensive presence was needed on this team; not only somebody to play good individual and team defense, but somebody who can hold others accountable for their fuck-ups.
Now if LaMarcus can get in on the act it's good times.

Hmm, you need to be damn sure that the vet the you bring in walks the walk as well, and I don't see how any of the rumored players at the trade deadline could come in and start calling out their new teammates for their play on defense. Vince Carter doesn't play defense, Jefferson is average, and Gerald Wallace has never experienced any success in the league that would have made him instantly respected by his new teammates.

 

[Nikolokolus]

What you say about 'stars' saving it for offense and key defensive plays is true, Nikolokulos.

However, a 'leader' cannot expect his teammates to bust their asses on defense without leading by example, especially if he's riding their asses for not doing what he's not doing. The double standard will lead to resentment -- then -- he's not leading anybody.

I think you misunderstood my point. I did say he needs to show more himself -- that's absolutely part of the equation -- but I'm almost certain the rest of the team understands that they are absolutely cooked if Roy wears himself out trying to play defensive stopper all game long and ends up with nothing left in the tank at the end of games. I don't think there's much to 'resent' unless somebody thinks themselves more capable of stepping up and being the number one guy on offense any time soon.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Hmm, you need to be damn sure that the vet the you bring in walks the walk as well, and I don't see how any of the rumored players at the trade deadline could come in and start calling out their new teammates for their play on defense. Vince Carter doesn't play defense, Jefferson is average, and Gerald Wallace has never experienced any success in the league that would have made him instantly respected by his new teammates.

I never said it was anybody rumored at the trade deadline that needs to come in and be that guy and it doesn't necessarily need to be some hard-ass that comes in and starts yelling at guys, it has more to do with the on-court recognition that comes with experience and then being able to pinpoint breakdowns as they happen on the court; whether that is conveyed harshly or softly doesn't matter so much, just as long as the one pointing it out knows what he's talking about and has the ability to execute whatever defensive principle himself.

As for Jefferson and Carter you might have a point, but with respect to Gerald Wallace these guys have played against him and seen first hand the kind of player he is, whether or not his team has enjoyed great success is mostly immaterial in their perception of him (I guess?).

As crazy as it sounds, I sometimes wonder what what Ron Artest would look like in crimson and black? That's a dude that might be too strong of a personality, but there's no denying that he'd command instant respect (if not fear).

 

[PapaG]

I never said it was anybody rumored at the trade deadline that needs to come in and be that guy and it doesn't necessarily need to be some hard-ass that comes in and starts yelling at guys, it has more to do with the on-court recognition that comes with experience and then being able to pinpoint breakdowns as they happen on the court; whether that is conveyed harshly or softly doesn't matter so much, just as long as the one pointing it out knows what he's talking about and has the ability to execute whatever defensive principle himself.

As for Jefferson and Carter you might have a point, but with respect to Gerald Wallace these guys have played against him and seen first hand the kind of player he is, whether or not his team has enjoyed great success is mostly immaterial in their perception of him (I guess?).

As crazy as it sounds, I sometimes wonder what what Ron Artest would look like in crimson and black? That's a dude that might be too strong of a personality, but there's no denying that he'd command instant respect (if not fear).

I never insinuated that you did say it. I was commenting on what were widely perceived to be the available options. I happen to agree with you in that none of the players mentioned could walk into that locker room and get instant respect as defensive leaders who call out their teammates. Does Gerald Wallace do that in Charlotte? I honestly don't know what level of leadership he possesses.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I never insinuated that you did say it. I was commenting on what were widely perceived to be the available options. I happen to agree with you in that none of the players mentioned could walk into that locker room and get instant respect as defensive leaders who call out their teammates. Does Gerald Wallace do that in Charlotte? I honestly don't know what level of leadership he possesses.

I can only comment on Wallace's individual defensive talents which are great man-to-man and pretty good in help and weakside, but I don't watch enough Charlotte games (maybe 4 or 5 a year?) to have seen much on-court interaction between he and his teammates