I disagree. Age isn't the only factor. It's learning the speed, ropes and intangibles in the nba. There's something to be said about Kurt Thomas. His experience yet faded skills hold great value.
What does Batum look like if he reaches his potential, and is that better than Gerald Wallace is now? Because I understand Batum will grow more than Wallace will, but they aren't even comparable in terms of ability currently. I think Batum will improve more, but I don't think he'll have the kind of impact Wallace does (now or in the future).
Exactly. Matthews has tunnel vision. He'll increase his ppg as time goes on but he doesn't really have the abilities to be a playmaker. That's not something people develop as they get older. Not saying it can't happen but there's a good reason you're likely to hear how players become better shooters as they age but very rarely do they become better playmakers. I hope he does and helps propel the Blazers but it's not very likely. It has to do with demeanor. He's more John Starks than he is Brandon Roy. Batum, as young and incomplete he may be now or ever, still has shown glimpses of becoming a complete player. He might never utilize the tools but because of these consistent glimpses, his potential is deemed 'greater' by the fans and, in this case, other GM's and scouts. But we'll see. Matthews could prove everyone wrong. For that matter, I really do hope Matthews takes it to the next level and becomes a great shooting guard and Batum becomes the next Pippen.
The limited abilities of Matthews are optimized to McMillan's system. For Batum it's the opposite. He has potential skills similar to Pippen but will never balance them now. It's too late. Once McMillan has gotten into your head for a year or two, you have tunnel vision about putting defense ahead of offense every second of the game. You lose your fluid offensive instincts. McMillan has a similar zombie hypnotism over fans. Once he stares into your eyes you forget how fun and exciting a team can play, and you accept your boring lifelong slavery like a workhorse.
