Batum

I'm a little worried that Batum won't flourish like I think he could. If it's because Gerald Wallace is just better (as several posters have said) then that's okay, and he can ease into Wallace's spot as Gerald breaks down. But my main worry is that he's being paired up with Crawford in the second unit, and Crawford is a major ballhog. I think a second unit were Batum is the initiator (as he was with Nancy and even to some extent the French team) would be better. Anyone playing with Crawford is liable to be a little ignored. There's less incentive to fill the lanes or streak downcourt if you know your "PG" is just going to take a thirty-foot pull up jumper, or drive into traffic and throw up a wild shot most times.

 

i think its likely wallace is dealt by deadline

 

I and apparently some others assumed, before the Blazers signed Chuckford, that Nico would be a featured offensive player off the bench. I agree that, after one game, it appears Chuckford may stymie Nico's ascent into that role. I think we should give the team 10 games or so to develop an identity before coming to any concrete conclusions, but this result seems at least probable.

I think Wallace is our second best player. I love the kind of hustle plays and 'garbage' points he gives us. Curious that he would be on the block, but if it improves the team now and in the future, you do it. Management has to continuously look two or three moves into the future, and balance that with how to remain successful today.

 

McMillan inhibits shot selection, which will be good for once in Crawford's case. Crawford may lose his reputation soon.

 

I would disagree. Crawford took 10 shots in 22 minutes. ( to go alongs with his 4 assists 4 steals and 4 rebounds)

Nic got 10 shots in 21 minutes. Nic got shots from the arch and at the basket. All in all I do not see Crawford hurting Nic's offense. As a matter of fact with JC a better SG than PG it actually should give Nic more opportunity to handle the ball when they are in together.

 

I think everyone is over analyzing this scenario. I think from game to game, you will notice that we will ride the hot hand. Sometimes it maybe Nic or Crawford.

 

Wesley does not need 41mins, especially when he's shooting 4-14. Nic can replace his defense, so really, there is no reason to keep Matthews in there if he is not on fire. But it's alright. Just the first game.

However some time this season, I want to see Nic @ 2 alongside Gerald.

 

Sounds like you are complimenting Nate, as i can't think of a player that we have had that should have taken more "ill advised shots" as oppossed to less.

 

I think it's likely your smoking crack.

This squad is playing to Win, and he's the X factor. It's a long season and were gonna need him come playoff time. No way he goes anywhere.

 

I agree with you Hail. I may think that Batum would be dealt before Wallace; if there was even a choice in the first place. But again, just my opinion.

 

I like your optimism. Like mm, I'm not a fan of Crawford's style, which may color my outlook. I'll try to keep an open mind. What I want to see is how they play off each other, and whether Nico is getting the ball in the right place at the right time to be successful when Crawford is handling the ball.

 

I agree about not being a fan of his style either, but I think we really need him. He will always demand the respect of D. They will not leave him open, even if he is 0-9. No defense wants him to get going.

 

I think you've posted this idea before, and I have to agree. He can get off his own shot, and make it, which is really valuable when used judiciously. Even if he's missing, he's streaky so he is likely to go on a tear at some point. Between the two, he does force the defense to play honest. Like any married guy will tell you, sometimes you have to take the bad with the good.

 

Agreed, I can't imagine a scenario where Crash is dealt. The man is simply too valuable - and too entertaining - to let go.

 

Yeah... There were a few times I saw him take a contested shot, with LMA or Batum cutting were open. I almost pulled my hair out, but said... Okay, okay, this is crawford's game... Relax Mags before you need to go to the hospital.

 

I was not a fan of him playing the PG position and preferred him at SG unless there was an injury. But the post I responded to was based on last night, and IMO last night I did not see a problem. Plus Nic is not only going to be on the floor with Crawford. I bet at least half the time Felton will be out there too.

I also agree that Batum will get 10 more of Wes' minutes. They need to be about 30/30.

 

I read someone else write it, but having multiple guys with Crawford's game will kill a team, but having one (especially off the bench in a lineup that desperately needs scoring/creating) is not that bad.

 

I'll take that point. Every team needs a scorer who can get hot off the bench.

 

I think it depends on what you're trading for and with whom. Batum would be more attractive to a team looking to rebuild or go cheap and looking to unload contracts ... and the Blazers would have to think they are on the cusp of competing for a title with the aquisition of whomever they are trading Nicolas for.

If the Blazers founder going into the trade deadline and it looks like they're not all that close, then it might be more attractive to deal Wallace's more expensive contract to a contender who wants Gerald as the final piece for their run (or in a multi-team trade) for either a big man prospect or a high draft pick.

And really there's no reason to get all emotional about this (Hailblazers, not you mags). The team should look at all options when it comes to improving and balancing the roster; as good as Wallace is and has been, guys that play the style he does usually decline pretty rapidly once they get past 30.