I've been thinking and maybe I do understand why Nate wants Batum on the 2nd unit. Because of Oden's injury, Pryzbilla starts. And Nate thinks we can't have 2 non-scorers on the first unit. Also with Pryzbilla starting, he needs more defense on the 2nd unit. So maybe we have to wait for Oden to come back.
If that's the case, start Rudy in front of Blake. He's earned it. Roy/Rudy/Batum/Aldridge/ Pryz. Second unit: Sergio/Bayless/Outlaw/Frye.
That might be a good idea; maybe I should have said that we can't afford to have THREE non-scorers on the first unit, I forgot about Blake.
I see that you only have 4 guys on the 2nd unit, if Blake is on the 2nd unit, that would be really small. But i do think Bayless is needed on the 2nd unit if Rudy's scoring is on the first. What about Blake, Bayless, Outlaw , Frye and Diogu. We really don't have a low post scoring option on either unit without Diogu.
I'm liking the 9-10 man rotation. Aldridge played center for about 10 mins tonight, especially with the second unit. That works for me.
I'm not so sure that Batum stunk it up in summer league. Guys who play good team basketball have a tough time shining in SL.
based on how much you guys love him after one game, imagine how much youll hate him after one game. "BATUM!!! Get out of PDX NOW!" just pointing out the band-wagoning vibe im getting right now
Yeah...regardless of what Batum does...I just want to say Im honored for knowing the people who get national attention for thier insane fandom. Thats a good and a bad thing.
It's not "band-wagoning," it's pleasant surprise that a 19 year old who was "supposed to be" a non-contributing project is already contributing and playing well.
I love this guy too. I don't think he'll have these types of games every time out, but he and Rudy just bring instant energy off the bench. Wow... just a HUGE surprise. How in the world are we going to play Martell, Travis, Nicolas and Rudy, and give them enough minutes.
Batum's contributions are somewhat like Rudy's. He keeps moving and finds some way to contribute, even when he doesn't score a lot. I don't see him being a non-factor in too many games.
I'd like for Batum to eventually become our, say, Michael Cooper. Remember, Coop was a HUGE part of those Laker runs during the 80's. Both, defensively and timely offensively, as well.
To me that means that even though his shot wasn't dropping tonite, he helped his team get the win in other ways.
Actually tonight one of the most effective lineups was when he and Travis were out on the floor at the same time with Frye playing center. Frye takes his guy outside, which makes it easier for Travis to operate. Then all Batum has to do is play hard, and put that length to use.
Agreed. Batum also adds a nice defensive presence on the wings. He doesn't command a lot of attention and will probably develop a nice shot. I realize it's early, so I'm not going to start saying that he's the definitive answer at SF, but I do like what I've seen from him thus far. After all, I really liked the way Sergei Monia played in his first few games.
With the way Nate trusts Travis to take a lot of shots, Batum's emergence and Webster's extension - while Frye did not get an extension - I wonder if the Blazers might think of moving Travis to the backup PF position he excelled in last year and have Webster/Batum fill the SF position - leaving Frye as trade bait. A shame - since he seems to integrate so well with the city and community - but one has to wonder...
