I was just about to post the same thing ... wow. That's sort of surprising, but when I look at who is going to be available at 4 can I say for sure that any of those guys have more potential or is likely to be a better pro? I'm not sure I can say yes to that.
I was also just about to post this. Wow, looks like we arent the only ones who believe Batum will be a stud.
I think this means that Batum will not be included into any package that brings a wing player back (minus LBJ). Blazers like what they see in Batum, and what is not to like, if they turn down that high of a pick. I think this means those AI to Portland rumors should be dead.
They probably remember this. [video=youtube;CAEQMBGc5cc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAEQMBGc5cc[/video]
I'm going to be one pissed off Trail Blazer fan if we dont see Batum get 35 minutes a game this season!
I'll be pretty pissed off it this season turns out anything remotely like last season, especially injury wise.
I guess I'll be alone in thinking that maybe that wasn't the best call. I like Batum too, but if either Cousins or Favors will be available at 4, and I think both have higher ceilings than Nic. Especially considering his recent recurring shoulder issues, which I fear may end up chronic. Or, if we were still looking at Parker, I imagine the 4 would be able to get him. Also, if Minny were trading for Batum, I bet they'd be willing to part with Brewer if Rudy were included (which we pretty much all agreed we'd do). I guess I hope that KP gave them an "I'll think about it" rather than a "no way in hell"
At the same time it leaves a hole at SF. If we are going for Cousins or a Favors, a big needs to be what goes out, not a wing.
Interesting to get a sense of what Batum's value is considered from another place in the league. If this rumor is true, his value in the league is higher than I would have thought. If Batum really is considered to have the value of the #4 pick, then perhaps the Chris Paul dreaming wasn't / isn't as ridiculous as I originally thought.
I really like Batum - but this seems hard to believe. Looking at the top of the draft, IMHO Wall and Favors are going to be studs. Turner, Johnson, and Aminu are likely no worse than lateral moves. Monroe and Cousins are high risk/high reward. Even if you are a huge Batum believer, that's 7 guys in this draft you could justify trading him for.
You really think he doesn't overvalue some players? I'd put Bayless, Rudy, LMA and even Webster (based on the contract he got) in that group
That's why I said to include Rudy and get Brewer, and then swap the 4 (+JPEC) for Parker. Net is Rudy/Batum/Joel for Parker/Brewer. No holes, just a better team.
I think if we had the 4th pick we would go for Wesley Johnson SF. I think he is going to be good but there is no guarantee he will be better then Batum and having not played in the NBA yet it is a better chance to be a bust. I don't want Cousins and would probably take Favors but not sure he would be available at 4 maybe 3. I'm not even super high on Favor's and like Batum's chance better to be a NBA star but it is close IMO.
