12 Jan 11 Portland Trail Blazers Are In a Slump

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty ImagesThe Portland Trail Blazers are in a dire need of hope. Without Brandon Roy, winning is like trying to tie a Velcro shoeimpossible.The Blazers are now on a three-game losing streak after tonight game. Monday, they dropped one at home against the Hornets; Wednesday, they got it handed to them at home by the Jazz; and today, the Rockets tried to give Portland a win, but the Blazers generously denied it.What is it going to take for the injured Blazers to get their act together?Brandon Roy is the obvious answer, but Portland is full of talent and should be able to win without Roy.Now that Batum and Fernandez are back, the Blazers are in a great position talent-wise. But the real question is why are the Blazers playing like kindergartners?Andre Miller has not been playing to his potential; he had two points tonight, complemented by two turnovers. That is not an expectedperformance.The Blazers need to decide who will take their game-winning shots instead of passing the ball around and losing all hope for a victory.The concept of a team is playing like a team. Although the Blazers act like a team, lately, they have not played like a team. Teamwork is an important concept to the game of basketball. That is why the Blazers and any other NBA team are called a team, to play with a team and succeed.The Blazers did make a hell of an effort to come back in the last seconds, but it was not good enough.The starting lineup needs to be Miller at point, Rudy at shooting guard, Batum at small forward, Aldridge at power forward, and Juwan Howard at center. That way there will be three threats at the three-point line but also enough power to have a threat at the basket.Once Roy returns, replace Rudy for Roy and sub Rudy in throughout the game, more frequently than usual.Portland has to deal with their height issues due to Oden and Prybilla injuries, but they can still be contenders with their roster, which is full of outstanding talent.The Blazers can contend in the NBA, they just need to take time and think things through and decide on a better game plan. Right now things are not looking good for the Blazers, but there can easily be a drastic turnaround, which is necessary.Most likely Portland will still make the playoffs, but not if they keep this style of play going.A few adjustments and heart can take the Blazers a long way. Nate McMillan has been doing a great job throughout his career coaching Portland, he will figure things out. As of right now, there is no need to worryyet.Keep your heads up Blazers fans, and do not lose hope.