Portland Trail Blazers: Chauncey Billups’ influence takes shape on the court
Rob Ryan
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Team chemistry
I keep coming back to the Pistons teams that Billups played on. Those teams were greater than the sum of all their parts. They were like a well-oiled machine that could beat any team on any given night. The 2004 NBA Finals showed how a Pistons team playing the right way and playing in unity could beat a Lakers team full of superstars.
It may still be in its larval form, but the Portland Trail Blazers are showing team unity right now. Justise Winslow and Josh Hart look like the power forward and shooting guard versions of Nassir Little. High energy players who play with heart and leave it all on the court.
The bench has also shown that same energy and unity. Trendon Watford looks like he’s trending to be a solid NBA player. Greg Brown is right behind him, along with Elleby. Ben Mclemore has been an utmost professional, a solid veteran for this team throughout the up and down season. They are gradually showing the same Billups mindset that the starters are showing.
In conclusion
Whatever happens, moving forward, Chauncey Billups finally has everyone’s ear. This team has his fingerprints all over it. Of course, they are still missing Damian Lillard and Nassir Little, and we will likely see some summer additions through the draft or free agency.
But one thing is for sure, at worst, Portland finally has its coach and has finally found players that have bought into what he is saying.
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What do you think about the Portland Trail Blazers playing Billups-ball? Let us know in the comments section below.