Batun's extension and minutes - very interesting

I think if you're willing to make a statement like this, especially the bolded part, you gotta at least be willing to consider that he may NOT develop into the player you think he can develop into. You said yourself, he may, he may not. You've made some really good points in this thread, but I think that there's also a lot of arguing in circles going on as well.

"Nic doesn't get minutes, give him minutes."
"When we give him minutes he doesn't produce at a level warranting more than other guys."
"That's because he isn't inserted as a number one or two option."
"He hasn't proven he can be a number one or two option."
"He hasn't been given the chance."
"He hasn't made the most of what's been given to him, others have and have expanded their roles."
"He'd produce if he had the expanded role."

It's all really meaningless. It's like the chicken and the egg only instead of a chicken, it's Nic's production, and instead of an egg, it's his role on the team. We can argue all day, but the bottom line is there is a possibility he'll get better and deserves a better role to step into, but there's also a possibility that the coaches who are at every single practice and have been working with him for thousands of hours while we just watch him in games might know more than the average message board poster.

 

Of course. It is also possible that the same coaches must show results now instead of look at the future. Or that being a French kid (and he is still a kid at 23) - he is not your typical basketball player alpha male. I am just saying that announcing him dead on arrival is exactly the same kind of mistake that was done with Aldridge until get got a shot to be the #1 option. Any team needs to look at winning now and balancing for the future to be successful long term. I am just not buying the "Nic" will never get it, he is not worth investing in mentality exhibited here.

My opinion is that the Blazers #1 priority in the near future, given what we have seen so far - is to decide if locking Nic up long-term as part of the foundation along with Aldridge and Wes is very important or somewhat important. A good way to figure it out is to actually give him the minutes and the role. Maybe they already made up their mind. Maybe they talked about trading him. Who knows - but my opinion is that he is worth a closer look in a more prominent role.

 

Um mods would you mind changing the title batun changed to Batum?

 

It's a pretty different situation than Aldridge. Everyone knew Aldridge had ability and 17/7 is nothing to laugh at. David West made the all-star game with basically those numbers. Aldridge-Roy was a great combo. Batum, we still don't have a good idea of what he can do because he hasn't stepped up in the way a lot of people had hoped. You can blame coaching, teammates, or Batum, but ultimately it hasn't happened thus far.

 

Well Batum added a great performance last night. Maybe this forces Nate to give him more burn?

 

Well since Batum was a +17 on the floor; you would think that proves "worthiness"? I know it's one game, but has Batum every had a "-" in a game?

 

Batum's ready IMO, I like him starting with Camby coming off the bench. it also gives us the chance to really give him the opportunity to keep improving which I think is very important for this franchise.

 

Not sure I like that. Nic will be fighting for shots against LA, Wallace and Matthews. One of the good things about Camby is he doesn't need shots to be effective. Aldridge also plays well with Marcus in the lineup.

 

Aren't they holding some sort of lead in lobs or something?

 

Just 5 days later, still think it is a no brainer that they sign Wallace for 3 years and trade Batum?

 

I think Batum vs Wallace with be the motivation all year for each to seek the contract they want in the offseason and I think the blazers brass knows it and will wait to see who wins!