GAME THREAD: BLAZERS @ NUGGETS - DECEMBER 2, 2014; TUESDAY, 6 PM (PST), KGW

It is, but he was fired after he won coach of the year that year.

To Eric's question, the roster is awful after their GM went to Toronto. IMO he is easily the best front office guy in the league

 

After Pop, ya. I'd put Terry above Doc and Carlisle in that regard.

 

Well that's practically a tradition, it happens so often...

 

It's because he can't find the button with his giant ape hands, and gets confused.

 

Any lack of respect for what Batum provided in this game (including wisely not taking a bunch of shots when he's not shooting well) is either ignorance, hate, or both.

 

Is that Sly sitting next to you?

 

Ha,ha.

Rolo with the photo bomb too. The guy makes one game winner....

 

I love what Batum adds to this team. No doubt I appreciate his importance. However.......The ally oop pass he threw to Wes in the last two minutes from 25 ft was insane. He needs to stop trying to make the "spectacular" passes. At least in crunch time.

 

He knew it too. He pointed to the bench the instant he threw that pass, acknowledging his mistake.... yet he still threw it. smh. He needs to find his shot back, but the assists are nice.

 

After last night his PER is back up to an even 12.

His TS% (again) dropped a few points though.

 

I don't want to downplay or forget Nics assists or defense, however we NEED some consistent scoring from him and his offense has been simply awful, g0tta have a little "balance' from him and his position as we get from Wes

 

He just needs to get that 3 pointer up to his career average and you will have no complaints from me.

But honestly, if I had a choice, I would much rather have the assist and defensive Batum than the spot up shooter Batum.

In fact, maybe he should work on his mid range and attack the basket game. It's a easier shot to make, plus he may get to the line more.

 

yeah it may work "ok" in the reg season but if you want to move on in the playoffs he can't be an offensive black hole which frankly is sorta what he is right now, teams can ignore him as far as a shooting threat goes until he proves he can make a shot and that ain't a good thing

 

But if he develops the slashing game, it wouldn't be such a black hole. Also, that slashing will only help to improve his assists as well. If he can make the defense second guess, then more help will come, which leaves guys open.

I honestly think our team's missing piece is a slashing wing. A guy that can score or get to the line when needed. I think Batum has the best opportunity and ability to be that guy.

 

if if fukkin IF! Come on Mags how many years has he played now and you want him to now develop a slashing game? (LOL) Besides his passing I can make a case he has not improved at all and in fact at least this year he has regressed, you simply have to consider offense. He's been a career 45% shooter overall, this yr he is at 37%, this in not a "small drop off" it is huge! I can count on Wes to improve and work on something in the offseason and from history I cannot count on Nic to do that, and whatever the reason it does not matter, it is the end result that matters.

 

Yes. That was a bad pass. I think he forgot who he was passing it too, LOL. All of us, especially Batum wished he could have that one back.

Batum wasn't the only player to make a bad decision or have a bad shooting night, but on this board, he is the mostly likely to get roasted for every single mistake or missed shot. So defend him I will.

Nico had 13 assists to 2 turnovers, 3 steals, some timely rebounds and many good defensive plays. I think that's what's refered to as finding other ways to help your team win even when you aren't shooting well.

Count me as one who thinks his shooting woes begin with his knee. He's gotta find his shot for the Blazers to get far in May. That's a long time from now.

 

The same thing was said to me about Aldridge and his rebounding. Things can change and nic is still 26-27 years old. It's not like he's over the hill bro.

And let's be real here. He was shooting decent until his injury. It's not like he went on this slump fully healthy