Leave the hate and bitching out of here. Batum was a great value for where we drafted him. He is/was a unique player. I'll never forget his rookie season, was amazed that he made it to the starting line up. I'm glad he's on the east coast so I can cheer for him 80 games a season. Wishing Nic the very best!
He had his issues but I still think he was a great piece for us overall. I won't forget his last second in-bounds oooooop from Dre or his 5X5X5X5 (was it another 5?) games or his come from behind blocks (earlier in his career) among other things.
He was the most exciting player on our roster, and certainly the most versatile. One of the very very few NBA players ever to get a 5 by 5. He was also the best passer on our team. I'm finding it hard to care about the Blazers right now.
I was a huge Batum fan until he put his National team above Portland. The last two seasons he had dead legs. His agent is a nightmare as well.
You're in the wrong thread. Didn't you read the title? It'd be like you opening a thread entitled "appreciation of non-US cultures" - it's just not for you.
Actually I love non-US cultures. I plan on living in Germany at some point. I just find your obsession with foreign born players to be hilarious. I think, like anything, there are some good ones and some bad ones.
Batum is my favorite current Blazer. The shear lack of appreciation for his game baffles me. I was pretty confident he was going to come into next season more rested than the last two. But his number was up. It happens. Good luck Nico.
Very unique, exciting, and fun player to watch and a very good player to go with it - if inconsistent at times. Appreciate all you did for this team and franchise, Nic! Best of luck, #88!
Death is inevitable, unfortunately, but if my team's GM hurried it along I'd still be fucking pissed.