Typically it takes an NBA player at least a couple weeks of poor results to start complaining about his role in the offense. For Andray Blatche, all it takes is one game. Blatche is committed to being a leader for the Wizards this season and even went as far as to say he was willing to die for his teammates. After hearing his comments following Monday night’s opening game loss to the Nets, we’re starting to feel as though Blatche needs to relax a little.
“You can’t keep having me pick and pop and shooting jumpshots,” Blatche said according to the Washington Post. “Gimme the ball in the paint. That’s where I’m most effective at. I’ve been saying that since training camp. I need the ball in the paint. I don’t want to be the pick-and-pop guy I used to be because it’s not working for me.
“I’m not saying the offense has to run through me, but I prefer to be in the paint.”
It’s possible that Blatche was extremely frustrated after the NBA’s most hated player outperformed him with 21 points and 16 rebounds. That being said, we’re talking about one game. Literally, a single game. For the Wizards’ sake, I hope they spend a little time during practice sorting out what everyone’s role is. If Blatche is already frustrated enough to speak out after a single game, it could end up being a long season. As for Blatche wanting to become a leader for the Wizards this season, blasting the offensive game plan 48 minutes into the season isn’t the best way to go.
