| Captain Chaos Living Up to His Name Authored by Billy Ray - December 1, 2005 - 11:34 pm
Known for creating chaos for the opposing team with this relentless defense and endless energy, Ruben Patterson has turned from causing havoc for opposing teams to causing havoc for the Trail Blazers.
It's not a new situation, as Patterson has found a way to have an issue with something during the course of most of his season's in a Portland uniform. General Manager John Nash has tried unsuccessfully to trade Patterson since taking over the GM post two seasons ago. While Patterson and Nash have always had a rocky relationship, Patterson is doing his best to severe his ties with the Trail Blazers.
After going into a tirade between the third and fourth quarters against the Knicks during the Blazers first game of their 7 game road trip, Patterson was put on the inactive list and later suspended. Later during the trip Captain Chaos let it be known that he was not interested in being on the Blazers active roster unless he was receiving 25 minutes a game. For reference, only Darius Miles, Zach Randolph and Sebastian Telfair average more than 25 minutes per game.
Patterson has some how figured in his head that he can simply tell the team he refuses to play, even though he is physically capable, and sit on the inactive list and collect a pay check until Portland trades him to a contender. Luckily for the Trail Blazers, Patterson barely has a leg to stand on.
If Patterson refuses to report to the team, the Trail Blazers can simply suspend him without pay. Furthermore, the Blazers are said to be looking into possibly taking action a step further and voiding Patterson's contract. While that possibility is slim at best, the Blazers are still likely to give it a try.
Cutting ties with Patterson by voiding his contract looks to be the best way for the Blazers to come out of this fiasco ahead. Patterson's bad contract as well as his bad attitude makes taking him on a big risk both fiscally and for the chemistry of a locker room for other teams. Due to the combination of factors, the only trades that have been discussed would require Portland taking injured, or old players or players with bad contracts. By voiding Patterson's contract the Blazers would also free up a valuable roster spot to add a cheap player—most likely a power forward.
But the chances of the Blazers being able to void the contract are too slim to put much hope in. The players union would fight such a voiding to the bitter end. The matter would most likely be tied up for months.
A slightly easier way to rid themselves of Patterson--but not nearly as cost effective--is to cut him. Cutting Patterson would require the Blazers to pay the balance of his salary—usually over a long period of time and would keep Patterson's salary on the Blazers cap for the length of the contract which would amount to two years.
Patterson's removal is addition by subtraction. While Patterson has been known to provide some memorable performances, he has also shown to be selfish in the open court and turnover prone in offensive sets.
In the mean time, Patterson's deactivation has lead to increased minutes for Travis Outlaw—something that needed to happen anyway. After sitting on the bench for 2 seasons it was time for Outlaw to have the opportunity to sink or swim.
Patterson has made it clear, unless he receives minutes—preferably 25 plus—he does not want to be a part of the Blazers. With so many young players needing to be developed—especially at small forward, the Blazers not only have the luxury of calling Patterson's bluff, but absolutely should.
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