I have often seen fans euphoric that Portland is a team that doesn't often complain to refs, and also fans who hate players that constantly talk to the refs.  I understand the concept; a lot of people were raised to respect others, and the complaining seen on a typical NBA court doesn't look respectful.  People here are proud of their "good boy" Portland Trailblazers, because not complaining usually is equated to showing character.  I am wondering, however, if not complaining hurts the Trailblazers competitively.

Complaining to the refs can be a way to focus them on what you want them to see.  If you are being fouled in the same way on every other offensive possession, you want to let the ref know so that he can look out for it.  Even if you aren't being fouled in the same way, it can't hurt to have the refs attention when you have the ball; most fouls get called on the defensive player.

Fouls are also a fairly subjective thing.  Refs make decisions based on their impression of what the position was, who initiated contact, and to what degree the contact influenced the play.  There are a lot of judgements in those calls, and players would be hurting their team if they didn't do the best they could to get the refs to make judgements in their favor.

The Blazers complain to refs less often than any other basketball team I have ever seen.  The Blazers also get consistently worked over by the refs.  Those two things are probably related.

Complaining works; that's why it's such a popular option, not only among NBA players, but among people in general.  There's a reason why "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" is a more popular saying than "the squeaky wheel gets replaced and thrown in the junk yard where it becomes a hatching place for millions of mosquitos every time it rains".

Warning:  The following poll will annoy Douglast, as it has more than 5 options, none of which will completely describe what he is thinking.  Apologies in advance.