Nicolas Batum: Point Forward?

I'm this close to hoping Nate just hands this guy the ball and try to have him operate as a point forward. It's pretty obvious this team needs someone who can create in the 4th quarter since Crawford and Felton have failed....repeatedly. I'm also 99% sure he'll fall flat on his face at first even though he's shown signs of improvement this year. Can't be much worse than what we're currently facing though right?

 

The Nic Batum hype machine lives on even through injury

 

At this point I'll settle for a little bit of the Nic Batum "hype machine" over the Crawford "chuck machine" or the Felton "clank machine" or the Gerald Wallace "Jeckyl and Hyde machine"

 

I'm a fan of giving talented players opportunities. Almost everyone else on the team has had them, and failed spectacularly. It's time to give Nic a chance.

 

At this point; I'm willing to try anything on the road. If Nate is a good coach; he better grow a pair and make drastic changes on the road. Obviously what he thinks works isn't working. This is embarrassing.

 

Do you guys actually think Nate will do something with his small forward other than stick him in the corner and wait for open shots? We could have Bron at the position and Nate would tell him the same. Stand in the corner and wait for the kickout, Mr. James.

 

I think your the only one who doesn't see solid play in Nic. Is this part of your, "Hey, look at me" schtick?

 

if the answer is no then it's time for nate to go

 

I don't think Nic has shown any ability to play point guard on offense. He has very limited ball handling skills and doesn't have the right mindset for it.

 

Having Nic shine in the second half of the season could mean it will be his last season in Ptd. He is already going to get an offer that overpays him, how much a team overpays him could mean the difference between matching and not matching.

 

I don't have a doubt that the Blazers will match any offer. Even the insane ones. That is Portland's motto.

 

is that the same amount of doubt you had about Oden playing?

That is going to haunt you all year.

 

Oden will play this season.

 

can we send him an offer sheet first? before any other team this summer?

 

I don't think so.

 

We can make him an offer yes. We don't have any sort of first offer right or anything, but we have the same opportunity as everyone else to offer him a deal, while also possessing the right to match their offers.