What we have here is a failure to communicate....

We get a good passing veteran point guard to replace the "eratic" Sergio, Martell is back and healthy, and, most importantly, Greg is not only totaly healthy and strong, but really playing effectively, both on defense AND offense !!   AND ........
the team is now distinctly playing worse basketball.  (not just talkin' about tonight)

Of course the guys we lost are a big factor (Travis, Nic, and tonight LMA).  But I guess the surprise is how difficult it is for the team to make the adjustment to the rapidly emerging Oden as an offensive force, to letting our new "floor general" run the team.  The love fest between Nate and Andre seems to have crashed before the honey moon.  This is not "Brandon's team" any more.  Really, last year, one of Brandon's strengths was including his team mates, he was the self effacing team player.  It seems he is getting a bit too much "step up and be a leader" programming.  Yeah, the fat contract could have a "fat head" effect.  Maybe he's just working a bit too hard.
So there are a lot of adjustments, changes in plays, that are required.  This is obviously a challenging time for players, and the coach who needs to answer the questions and show them the way to winning play.  We've got stars who must be wondering if they are ever gong to get to "shine" on the Blazers.  Not an easy job.

You've got to get your "mind right"

But beyond the specific plays, there is the emotional factor, the morale, "chemistry", cohesiveness, confidence, the unity of purpose and plan which seemed to be our strength last year, and which seems to be missing in action now.  Then we were "over performing", now we are "under performing".  Of course it can be argued that the team just needs to win, and then "all is well", and that could even be true.  But what if we need to get to "well" to win?

Actoin Plan (?):

I am feeling that it is special "marathon team meeting" time...  Actually, what sports psychologist me would do is schedule a nice hotel sweet for 24 hours, like tomorrow morning (yes, this would be "practice").  The team goes in the room with a bunch of extra pillows all over the floor, and food deliveries as requested, and nobody gets out for the entire 24 hours.  An actual group facilitator could be worth while and every body gets to say what's on their mind..... then wait a while, maybe get a bit tense, then we go to another level, and so on.... allllll day and night long.   Next day, this team might just be on the same page.  Coaches could have a separate one together with KP and all....   Then, they could all get together for a briefer recap.  Call me crazy, but I bet that would do a whole lot more for this team than another regular practice day.  But, probably not gonna happen, at least that intensely.  But something has got to give.  And, somehow, over time things will work through.  Not what many of us were expecting, but still not dull.  Win or loose, I'm still a fan.