Blazers: Carver, Gandhi and one powerful message

One of the most prominent examples of Black excellence is George Washington Carver. The incredible icon was a legendary agricultural scientist and inventor who developed more than 300 food, industrial and commercial products from peanuts.

Carver was also a philanthropist. During his lifetime, he worked to promote racial harmony and teach nutrition. Infamous Indian activist Mahatma Gandhi even sought Carver’s counsel.

The two remarkable men developed an unlikely friendship and corresponded for years. Carver even visited India to teach his “beloved friend” Gandhi how to implement some of his nutritional theories in India.

Although uncanny, their unexpected connection made sense. Both men shared a passion for helping others and understood success.

For them, making excuses did not equal success. In a word, it was inexcusable.

“Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.” – George Washington Carver

“It is wrong and immoral to seek to escape the consequences of one’s acts.” – Mahatma Gandhi

This upcoming season for the Portland Trail Blazers is championship or bust. No more excuses.

The Blazers’ stellar president of basketball operations Neil Olshey has again put Portland in the position to win it all with yet another outstanding offseason.

The Blazers acquired Robert Covington and Derrick Jones Jr. to address their defensive woes. Impact player Enes Kanter returns and the Blazers added youthful Harry Giles and second-round draft pick CJ Elleby. Olshey also resigned fan favorites Rodney Hood and Carmelo Anthony.

Key players Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Gary Trent Jr., Jusuf Nurkic, Anfernee Simons and Zach Collins haven’t left Rip City and will still don red and black.

You see that lineup? Championship. NOW.

The Western Conference is not the juggernaut it used to be. There are not going to be many teams as good as the Blazers. They should finish in the top four among the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers.

Going to the Western Conference Finals? Not good enough.

Making it to the NBA Finals? Insufficient.

Championship. NOW.

With THAT roster, it’s time to win. If they do not, all eyes will be on head coach Terry Stotts, and team stars Lillard and McCollum.

With THAT roster, Blazers owners Paul and Jody Allen will have to make some big personnel changes if the Blazers are not hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy at the end of the year.

With THAT roster, a successful regular season is the expectation. The Blazers should not mentally start counting games until the postseason.

Winning 70 games will mean absolutely nothing if they do not win the championship.

Any attempt—ANY attempt— to make excuses such as health, lack of team chemistry or unfair referees will appear weak and expose the true character of the team and its leaders.

They already shouldn’t have lost the way the lost last season. But that doesn’t matter now because Olshey’s moves have made the Blazers’ abysmal run a distant memory.

If the Blazers plan to become legendary for all the right reasons, they must adhere to the wisdom of legends.

Carver and Gandhi say stop making excuses and win the championship.