Former NBA player and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins believes the Portland Trail Blazers lack “togetherness” after watching them suffer a fifth straight loss, this time at the hands of the New York Knicks.

The Blazers didn't just lose, but they were blown out in Carmelo Anthony's return to Madison Square Garden despite the former Knick putting up a season-high 26 points. Portland lost 117-93 and got outscored by 18 points in the fourth quarter, prompting Perkins' observation:

The Blazers have struggled mightily this season, but togetherness is hardly a reason why.

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Portland has grown stale with this setup with Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, as the team is still highly dependent on their star backcourt to produce in order to win games.

Lillard and McCollum combined for 28 points on a dismal 11-of-36 shooting (30.5%), while their bench unit could only muster 13 points on a ghastly 5-of-17 shooting, highlighting their lack of depth.

On nights when Lillard and McCollum are struggling, the Blazers have no Plan B to work their way to a win, even when Melo and Hassan Whiteside (17 points, 12 rebounds) are thriving in their roles.

Portland can get a little iso-heavy at times and can look disjointed on defense, but to say they don't enjoy playing with each other is a far stretch most won't be willing to make. Kendrick Perkins has made his new living firing off wild hot takes, and this one seems a bit out there given what we have seen.