Batum will need to shine. http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2009/02/breaking_news_webster_likely_o.html
Nicolas, Travis, LaMarcus, Channing ... there's a long list of players that need to elevate their game in the next 29
I say take Batum out of the starting 5 and put Rudy at the 3 for the rest of the year. Have Nic come off the bench to back him up and have Outlaw play backup 4.
Looks like he never should have came back as early as he did. This reminds me of Walton. I hope it doesn't become a chronic problem and that he is able to come back completely healed when he does return.
I do not know if it will work from a defensive point - opposing star SFs might abuse us this way - but is sure is worth a try against teams with sub-par small-forwards.
I never expected him back. They already screwed up once and let him play on it before it was ready which resulted in a second break. Best to be cautious this time and make sure he is healthy. Breaks like this can ruin a career.
He was supposed to be back 2-4wks after he had the injury. Bah.... Play Nic 30 mpg, and I will guarantee that our defense gets better and Nic scores more.
Rudy's net PER at SF: -46. http://www.82games.com/0809/08POR4.HTM#bypos Granted he's never played more than a minute at SF, because he can't play SF. If anyone's becoming a SF, it's Roy.
lets try that. Rudy and Roy need to play together to finish off the season. While Batum is great and all, the blazers have been plagued by slow starts in many games, it'd be good to see them do some tinkering while they have this flexibility......maybe if Rudy was at the 2 guard spot, he would move a bit better and attack more.
Rudy is just as streaky as Batum, and doesn't bring the defensive or versatility that Batum does either.
