None of us wanted to see Batum get injured, but there are several positives that can come out of the situation. Most of us agree that Batum is going to be a significantly better player in than Martell or our other SF's, but at this moment he is only slightly better. Batum being out for 3-5 months does not affect the long term plans regarding Batum, it just affects this season. And, he will be back for the playoffs, giving the Blazers one more option. But, in the meantime, 4 other players will be getting more minutes because of the injury and this could be very beneficial. Webster, Outlaw, Rudy and Cunningham are all going to see more minutes than they would otherwise. This allows Webster, Outlaw and potentially Rudy to be showcased for future trades if needed. If Outlaw is going to have any trade value at the deadline or at seasons end, then he will need to see the court. Rudy getting more minutes will also keep him more satisfied and help with the locker room cohesion. And, this also gives Cunningham a few minutes here and there to show what he can do and give the coaching staff and fans a chance to evaluate the potential of this guy. The big drawback is that Batum was our best perimeter defender. Every other attribute that Batum had I think can easily be overcome. I only hope that Martell and Brandon can pick up their D to compensate. I wish Batum was healthy and hope he comes back sooner than later, but I don't think that this will be that big of a roadblock this season, and could pan out as a positive for the future.
Every silver lining has a cloud. I think it's gonna help Webster the most. He was looking like the odd man out to me. I doubt we'll see Cunningham play (Maybe he'll play tonight since we're gonna be beating them by 30 at the beginning of the forth quarter). Even with Batum out we're gonna be pretty jammed up... pf - Aldridge (37), Outlaw (11) sf- Webster(20),Outlaw(13),Roy(17) sg- Roy(20),Rudy(28) Aldridge - 37 Roy - 37 Rudy - 28 Outlaw - 23 Webster - 20
This will help Webster the most . . . but I fear it will hurt Roy the most. Batum really plays well with Roy and takes the assignment of defensive pressure off Roy. If Webster can't hadle the top scorer on the other team, I could see Roy trying to take on that battle because he is so competitive. And we don't need our star player using up so much energy on defense.
I agree. This is an unfortunate blessing in disguise. An injury is what made Batum last year. Maybe someone else will be made this year. Or we figure out that he is not worth keeping. Marty, I am talking to you!
That could actually be a blessing. Roy has said himself he needs to step up on the defensive end. If Oden is really able to contribute 14-18 ppg, we don't really need Roy to drop 24. Maybe Roy focuses more on defense this year, using all those athletic tools he has to take over on that end more. Miller plays more of the conventional PG role, creating offense for Roy and everyone else. A liberal dose of traditional post up play from Aldridge and Oden....maybe you only see Roy in isolation a few times a night, mostly at the end of the game.
I would say the bright side is that there is one more space in the shower, but who are we kidding? The dude's French.
I hope this all gallows humor, because I can't see any way this helps the *team*. Individual players.....maybe.
Oden is the main reason we won't miss Batum very much. He's going to be a bigger defensive presence this year, so if Webster or Fernandez or Outlaw lose their man, he'll be there to block the layup.
