The obvious feelings I have as a Trailblazers fan during this near record setting losing streak are very negative. How in the world can this be happening to a team that "beat the Heat"? The answer is heart. You can't ask young rookies to be able to give their all during a stretch run of a losing season. They've never played this many games in their life, and to throw them out there to play more minutes than they have in their careers is an obvious wave of the white flag by the upper management of the team. The team has been in some of these games in the 4th quarter, but they've dug themselves into large holes in the process as well. Depth has been an issue throughout the season and now "injuries" to some of the vets has forced a greater role on such players as Meyers Leonard, Will Barton, Victor Claver, and Joel Freeland. During this stretch the Blazers have started 4 rookies in some of the games. Damien Lillard has performed admirably during this stretch, but where have the other players been? Lamarcus? My opinion of this guy has gone down with each and every game. It's one thing to want to be the quiet leader, but there are young guys looking up to you. Batum is not without blame either. He has been nowhere to be seen. Some might say that these guys have been injured. Sure, that's one way to put it. But I didn't hear of any career threatening injury to either of these guys. Shoulder strains and bruised elbows don't take weeks of non-contact to get better. You guys have all of the off season to heal. Show some heart, even if that means just a few plays. Show the youth of this team what it means to push through adversity. Wesley Mathews did it earlier in the year by putting up a three on a bum wheel and riding the pine the rest of the game. Win one. Get off the schneid. Next year I want results, not another rebuilding effort!!!!
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