Batum

Dude played really bad last night, in my opinion. Anyone think that it was predominantly nerves from playing in front of Pippen, his idol? I suppose this could go in the game thread, but just a thought I had after seeing him say hi to Pippen beforehand, and look kind of nervous, and then play like crap.

 

I don't know whether it had anything to do with Pippen, or not. But, his jumpshot looked horrible.

Also, for as much as everybody raves about Batum being a great defender, he's definitely above average. But, as a man to man defender he's very overrated. Help defense, he's awesome.

 

Batum is my favorite player on the team, and until last night has put together 3 solid offensive games. His individual defense hasn't been superb, and last night was a collective disaster.

I think he'll have a few games like this over the next 78, but he'll also have some great games on both ends as well. I love his potential, but you trade him for an all-star if the fit is right.

 

I don't think so. When they went over and met Pippen he hardly looked like he was nervous. The problem last night was the team, not one person. The team movement and effort was bad from the start. Body language told the whole story.

 

I don't mean it as a big criticism of him. I know he'll have off games. I think he's likely my second favorite player on the team as well. Was just thinking that Pippen being there might have made him nervous. I dunno.

 

Mama said there'd be days like this.

He's just a kid, he'll have rough nights. That's one of the first times I can recall his primary assignment being run off screens over and over. Plus Deng was red-hot. Bad combination.

 

Well typically when a team shoots 65% (which Chicago was at the point I turned it off, which was through 3 quarters) it isn't one person letting the team down. It is the team letting the team down.

 

After last night I'm pretty sure he's reached the nadir of his career. Best to trade him ASAP before he loses all value ...

 

I'd like to see Batum get 30 minutes a night no matter how he's playing, unless there's somebody behind him in the rotation who is searingly hot.

In my mind he's half a notch below Roy or Aldridge in that category of "guys who get minutes no matter what."

 

Oh, come on Nik.


I think we could kill his value better than that! Start him at C, break his shoulder, make him homesick, and THEN try to trade him.

 

I'd make sure HCP gets this message; they'll be on the plane tonight after the game and I'm sure it's a trivial matter to tape a printout to his seat?

 

It's like I've said before... Nic is still a kid. He's so young. We just can't expect him to be consistent on offense at this point. I would like him to be consistent on defense though. Maturity and age should not affect effort.

 

Batum is a good player, but he gets too much love around here for his true playing ability.

 

He looks like a totally different player right now than he did in the first three games. His confidence is way down.

 

Batum is definitely struggling on defense.

 

I saw the replay. Overheard HCP say, "Hey, Nic, see ya on the back of the plane."

 

Nate finally broke him, so he can start to mold him. This is only great news. Nic's days of 17/8 with great defense are finally over.