Final stats: Nic: 5pts (2/7 FG, 1/4 3pt), 7rebs, 2asts, 2blks, 4stls, 4 turns in 32 minutes. Patty: 18pts (7/13FG, 4/6 3pt), 2rebs, 4asts, 0blks, 2stls, 6 turns in 31 minutes.
I was able to catch a little bit of the game here and there (thanks mucho for the link). Nico took several really bad shots. I think even Nate uses him better than he's used on the French team.
Sad to say, but I agree. All Nic did was get the ball on the wing, and pass it off to another player. There are no plays run for him in the post, and he gets very few shots (which is baffling, considering the lack of talent on that team). Even when he gets the ball, he still seems awfully tentative. It was nice to see him get a few shots up in the final seconds, however. Patty was beasting up on any PG they put on him. His jumper is so pure. But I really don't see an NBA future for him as his (lack of) height is a serious disadvantage.
Actually IMO the things you point out are quite troubling, because I noticed the same thing in the game against the USA. The fact that there wasn't a lot of wing talent out there should have been an excuse for him to look for more offense, and he didn't. I also think that him just passing on the perimeter is troubling, most good SF have a good first step move to go to. As for Patty, he may be small but he is fast and can score. There is a spot in the NBA for such players all the time. A lot of people ripped Von Wafer for being the same way, yet he came back and tore the Blazers hearts out later. Players that can score have a spot in this league. It's just a matter of finding the right team/fit for them. Most teams would give their left nut for a guy who came off the bench and scored dependably every night.
His lack of a legit first step is his biggest weakness right now. It really limits his effectiveness as a starting SF for a team that's looking to go deep in the playoffs. Right now he's bench quality scorer and a starting quality defender.
He's the fifth option on offense so I don't think his lack of creating his own shot is a really big issue.
We need more versatility from him, no matter what option # his is. The simple fact is that if you are only a threat from 3-point range, you make it extremely easy to for the opposing defense.
Really? Do you also think that the Blazer offense last year was good enough to get it done, when it clearly wasn't? The Blazers offense is Brandon Roy and whatever the other guys chip in. We know Lamarcus cannot carry the team scoring wise. He is a nice complimentary guy who can get set up for buckets. He was the second option on the team. If your second option wasn't getting it done, you either need somebody to step up and carry that load (somebody on the team, like Batum) or you need to go get somebody who will carry that load. If you are happy with the team playing as is, 1 and done each year, then a jump shooting Batum is great. But if you want to get to a higher level, then he needs to start playing with confidence on both sides of the ball.
