http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2010/01/nicolas_batum_a_starter_for_th.html I think the only thing I could add to this is............ASSCLOWN!!!!!!!!
Nic's been back for only 3 games. Webster had been playing well. These things must be done gradually.
No, things don't need to be done gradually. And I am fucking tired of this whole both units shit. If Lebron came off the bench Clevelad would have two good units instead of one very good unit and oe so so one as well.
A-fucking-men. The only way these things would need to be done 'gradually' was if Nic was 'gradually' getting back into game form, and Webster was only 'gradually' starting to suck again.
I love Batum. He's clearly much better than Webster. Every trade I try to come up with, Webster is going out. BUT: 1. While we've got Webster, we might as well use him to his best advantage, if only to showcase him. 2. Webster doesn't do well off the bench. 3. Obviously Batum does. In fact, Batum's been putting up amazing numbers coming off the bench - much better than when he started. Why? Dunno. Obviously it helps that he's getting more shots with all the players out, but it might also be that he feels freer coming off the bench. If Batum doesn't mind (and I don't think he would - Euro players are much more compliant to the coach's wishes) it makes the best sense to start Webster, certainly while Batum is still being eased in because of his shoulder. I really don't see the problem.
he is in his 2nd year which is often when quality players take a big step forward in their production. They know both the league and what their coach wants so there is less thinking/processing going on and more reacting. They're a year in having top trainers help fine tune their bodies. Lastly they're a year more mature both physically and mentally. Brandon LA Greg and Bayless all have taken a big step forward in their 2nd year. me either, the importance of starting is overrated. Overall minutes and who finishes ranks much higher in my eyes. Also Martell hasn't exactly demonstrated the most solid mental makeup... I agree with your point about showcasing him but I also think taking him out of the starting lineup might cause him to spiral down in a funk of self doubt again. I can live with some poster doing his daily dance over the coach STOMP
I'm starting to feel the same about Webster being the odd one out. I like his obvious growth and progress this year, but in choosing for a backup to Batum, I'm leaning more toward Travis, especially if we keep Rudy who could give us some alternative looks at the 3 as well. More comfort with the league and Roy being out are helping his numbers, but to me, this new feature in his game--the dribble drive--is the true reason. In only 3 games, he's scored in just about every conceiveable way. Three pointers, coast-to-coast dunks, dribble drive pullups, dribble-drive finger rolls, free throw line, HUGE! putback dunks, and his most often used shot from last year--the kickout set shot. Last year, he only really shot the kickout set shot, self created fastbreak layins/dunks, and putbacks off other player misses. So, he's really added to his arsenal, which I think is primarily due to his confidence(?) in putting the ball on the floor. I say confidence, because the guy could always dribble and had a handle. Those streaking coast to coast dunks last year off picks and steals couldnt be pulled off by a klutz. He seems to have a greenlight this year. Thank God.
I'm not too concerned yet. For the 3rd straight game his minutes went up and we was the one playing down the stretch. I think you raise a cool topic about whether we should go two strong units with restrained minute distribution, or play our best starting five huge minutes. The Drexler era team is a nice example of the latter. Maybe the 2000 team or some of the early -mid 80's teams being a decent example of the first. Personally I prefer the one strong core unit. It has a phenomnal success track record. We seem to be heading that way. Aldridge and Roy have both shown they can consistently handle 40 minutes this year. Hopefully, the rest of the core will eventually join them.
Not concerned. I like Webster starting...I'd like to see Webster and Batum starting...would be interesting.
