The beginning of the season, the Blazers’ defense was horrible. Then it got better. And now, it has become the elixir to all that ails in the NBA.

“I can’t really put my finger on it,’’ (J.J.) Hickson said. “We have people in place to make those adjustments. It works both ways; we have to do better jobas players and … um …’’

It was almost as if Hickson realized he was getting into quicksand. He back-peddled and didn’t directly name the coaching staff.

In front of the tape recorder, (LaMarcus) Aldridge was vague.

So I asked whether the issues were with personnel or coaching.

“I can’t get into what issue it is,’’ Aldridge said.

Is (Blazers coach Kaleb) Canales the root of the Blazers’ defensive woes?

via Jason Quick of The Oregonian