Some interesting and insightful comments from Shabazz, who's never been shy about sharing his feelings on things:
"It’s just being strong, not just with the basketball but being strong mentally. A lot of times guys don’t look to ready to play and make a lot of costly mistakes when we don’t need it. Guys got to understand that now, more than ever, it’s one-game elimination."
This seems to be the crux of his frustration -- like he knows some personalities on the team don't align with his own and he doesn't know how to reach them, to get them to come out aggressive. There have been times when Bazz has mentally checked out of games, almost like he's given up on getting his teammates to play hard, and he would rather be somewhere else. The problem is that it's a chicken and egg thing, since the team feeds off of him, and he -- unlike Kemba -- isn't a constant fountain of positivity and encouragement. Does the team get flat because Bazz checks out? Or does Bazz check out because the team comes out flat?
"DeAndre’s a talented guy. Sometimes, something in his own ability that stops him and I don’t know what it is. If I were 6-7, 6-8, I’d be doing that every time. I would enjoy dunking on people."
Clearly Bazz isn't high on DD's motor, which isn't a major shock to this board, but is interesting that it's something the team captain is speaking openly about.