I started getting ESPN the Magazine (ESPN-M) in the last couple of months. I didn’t order it. I think it was just a recently added perk for my ESPN.com Insider subscription. I haven’t been too impressed with it. A lot of fluff, and no where near as slick as they think they are.

The latest issue (Dated January 17, 2005 and with Corey Dillon of the Patriots on the cover) has a story on Chris Taft (pp 60-65). The ESPN-M story does not appear on the ESPN website so far as I can tell. Maybe it will get posted in a week or so. It is not the most flattering story of Taft. It talks a lot about his inconsistency and willingness to take plays off when he loses interest. Taft, himself, even admits it without even apologizing for it. Just dismissing it, as not a big deal since it was a blowout. It’s frustrating for a Pitt fan to read, especially in light of the recent struggles for the team.

For an NBA team, this article should be a huge red flag of concern. For all Taft’s admiration and desire to emulate Kevin Garnett, he is completely missing the whole work ethic aspect. Garnett cares on every play. He doesn’t coast. He’s always working to be better and putting the effort on the court. If Taft wasn’t on “my” team, I’d have him pegged as yet another very talented player who will underachieve big-time in the NBA.

Just another challenge for Coach Jamie Dixon. They seem to be piling up quickly.