There is nothing new in the Trail Blazers' role as the NBA flag-bearer for arrogance and insolence. They have made no secret about how little regard they have for anyone else. They have shown open disdain for the public with their behavior for several seasons and then actually went so far as to announce it last week.

Long ago, they were a nice, overachieving small market success story, beloved in Portland.

They have turned into boorish louts, treating anyone outside their private club with the scorn Rasheed Wallace shows officials.

When Sports Illustrated offered a look at the attitude of the Trail Blazers, Bonzi Wells gave the Blazers' way a face.