New York Vinnie truly believes that the proper chemistry in a pro locker room is one of the most underrated advantages in all of Pro-Sports. Just think about your own job for a minute; if you have a bunch of people around you who share your work ethic and are good people you are happy at your gig. On the other hand if one person there is a PUD or in some cases when everybody you work with is a PUD you are Frickin miserable. And when you are not happy at your job you can not be at your most productive, right?
Now in the NBA because you only have an active roster of 12 players team chemistry is incredibly important. In an NFL locker room you may not have to deal with a PUD too often; but in an NBA locker rroom that PUD is always right in your face. There have been plenty of teams over the years that one bad personality has turned a good team bad; Allen Iverson and the Detroit Pistons this past season are a perfect example.
One NBA General Manager that seems to have a good handle on that mind-set is Kevin Pritchard of the Portland Trail Blazers. Pritchard has built a good young nucleus and this summer has brought in some quality veterans to compliment them. Earlier this summer Portland signed veteran point guard Andre Miller who not only is a talented player but by all accounts a quality guy.
Friday the Blazers according to the “Associated Press” signed another veteran player who is known to be a stand-up guy forward Juwan Howard. Now Howard is on the tail end of of his career; he is not going to give you anything close to the numbers he gave to the Bulls during their Championship run. But My Man Juwan has three rings, is a quality guy and can set a great example for the young Portland players. Pritchard released a statement which read “Juwan Howard will add a wealth of experience and veteran savvy to our young, talented roster. We look forward to Juwan’s contributions on the court and in the locker room.”
This was a smart acquisition for Portland not for what hee can do on the floor as much as what he can teach them as pros. I have written this already; if the Portland Trail Blazers can get their center “MR. RICKETS” otherwise know as Greg Oden to stay healthy and clog up the middle they will be in the thick of the fight all year long. The pickup of Howard is another strong link in the chain.
