The Batum tracker thread

He had 10 boards 4 assists and zero turnovers. He missed as many shots early as Dame did when the game was on the line. Dame had 5 turnovers btw.

 

Nic is as good as he wants to be at time. When his mom was here, he played hard and his wrist seemed just fine. It's only when he misses shots that his wrist seems to hurt. If this was Wes, we wouldn't even know about it I'm guessing.

So talented....so maddeningly below that talent on most nights.

 

Put Claver in, he will get the rebounds and hit threes.

 

Since the ASB Nic Batum's numbers have looked GREAT!

13.4 PPG / 6.8 RPG / 5.3 APG .517/.434/.909

 

And his defense is back.

 

I'll say it again. Batum is the X factor to our success. The sky's the limit when he's on.

 

Nico is With Wes!

 

Preach it!!!!

 

Holy wow. Them's some nice numbers.

 

Since Wes has gone down:

16.6 PPG / 9.3 RPG / 5 APG
.540/.500/.667

 

It makes me wonder..
What is the reason the Blazers see a passive Batum, yet the french national team gets an aggressive Batum who is one of their best players?
The defensive lapses from Batum have minimized sense Wes went down as well...

 

He is the #2 option in France usually. For the Blazers when everyone is healthy he is #4.

Batum is one of the most talented players in the world but he is very team first. He does what is needed.

 

On the French team, Batum is the best player and is expected to lead the team and to carry the load.

On the Blazers, Batum is expected to be a (very, good) supporting role player, set up teammates, and be aggressive only when called upon. He is not the "leader". That role is reserved for LaMarcus No. 1, and Lillard No. 2, and probably Wes No. 3.

 

I agree he does do what is needed.. and that it seems obvious he is the #4/5 option with the Blazers.
I'm curious though. With Aldridge/Lillard on the court...
When Batum has around these numbers
16.6 PPG / 9.3 RPG / 5 APG
.540/.500/.667

What is the Blazers record? I bet it's damn good.
I love Matthews. He's mostlikely my fav Blazer player..
But are the Blazers better with Batum scoring more points and Wes taking a backseat?

 

It's because Batum Shakalaka

 

Yes, the Blazers are a better team when Batum's role is expanded. I love Wes but he is just an elite 3 and D guy with an infectious personality. Batum is more of a Pippen/Grant Hill type (obviously not as great though). If this team ever wins a championship Batum has to be the guy who gives us 17/8/6 on good shooting, I honestly think he can get to those numbers with an expanded role.

 

Batum definitely has the talent to be at a pippen or grant hill caliber

 

Good question.

I kind of like what was the status quo of Batum setting guys up and Matthews firing threes, and Batum turning on the jets when needed. That is: If he does; and if he's effective when he does. I think it's hard to turn that switch, from passive set-up guy to aggressive scorer, when you are not in that mindset or rhythm.

I guess it's the 'when needed' part a lot of people complain about -- we're thinking it's "Batum Time", while he's still in support role mode. But now, when he goes into a game knowing he has to do more than assist, rebound and play defense, I think it must be easier to get your mind in that place?

I do think we don't win that Houston series without some really clutch play by Batum. It's such a relief to see him playing that way again.

 

I think Batum is definitely our third option now, with Wes out, ahead of Afflalo.

For real, when Wes comes back, whether or not he gets his starting job back, we need Batum to play at this level. He has the all around talent to be considered part of our 'big three'.