Yeah what it should have read was: Batum better step up and be a vocal leader on the court because he's getting paid to be one. Miller was reserved and to himself, but you saw his communication and energy on the court. That's what made him a leader. What Batum does before or after games isn't my business. I want him to lead in the locker room, practice and in the game.
Batum didn't want to be in Ptd, but is accepting the process. Moods for any NBA player can change from season to season, Blazers start winning and he likes his teammates, he will be happy. Blazers suck, he will not be happy, IMO.
I think he'll be happy if they follow through and hire a coach that will make him a bigger part of the offense. He was willing to sign with a team that shows some signs of life but hasn't been in the play offs in a while. I think the Blazers are at least that good next year. I'm seeing a team that is going to be fun to watch, will be able to hang with teams that are in the play off hunt but will lose a lot of close games at the end. Basically talented but young with growing pains. I hope LaMarcus and Wesley can be the leaders in staying motivated and Nicolas can work on becoming more assertive. I know he's getting paid but I don't expect his personality to change overnight. But it should make him feel a lot more comfortable and confident having the team say, we're so happy with you we want you to stay here and take on a more important role. We are also really fortunate to have our All Star stepping up, put the team on his back, and lead. I have so much respect for LaMarcus right now. Think about what Orlando and Minnesota's star players are saying about them right now. Let's hope he's patient, Nicolas lives up to his money, and Damian and Meyers are fast learners!
Although an angry-bird like sling with the willingness to fly into the pig's castle (lane) would be appreciated.
Now we just need to get Pavlovic, Papanikolaou, and Printezis on the roster, LOL. And bring back Patty. The Four P's.
As suspected, it sounds like the truth was somewhere in the middle of Olshey & Kahn's comments. He did want to be in Minnesota due to the coaching staff, New Orleans he'd have liked as well. But he also wanted to be back here, feels like home, and if he was an UFA he said he's not sure he would have gone to Minnesota instead of Portland. Either situation would have been good, so he knew he was going to win either way. Mentioned he was actually unsure that Portland would match because it was such a high number, but the fact they did shows they really believe in him. Better contract than he expected. Wasn't unhappy with Nate, just the fact they were losing was frustrating. Nate is the one who put him on the court and believed in him his rookie year. Knows he's now the #2 guy, just like he is w/ French team behind TP, and needs to be more of a leader. Trusts they'll bring in a good coach. My opinion - We'll probably never know exactly what went on but I honestly don't care if we weren't his first choice or not, because he's not going to be a problem and he seems happy to be here.
To go along with Lillard, LeMarcus, and Leonard. Of course, I see that now. Instead of Patty, how about Paul, then add a little LeBron.....
Good Summary. It did seem like he was being attacked by the press, I'm sure he was happy when the press conference was over.
It's a good read. But realistically, Batum isn't going to be the #2 option this year. Lillard will be. In fact, Lillard may wind up being the #1 option, as strange as that sounds when you already have a veteran All-Star power forward. Lillard will have the ball, and the first priority of every team he faces is going to be to prevent DL from scoring. Once that happens, there will be plenty of opportunities for Aldridge and Batum. I won't be surprised to see both of those guys have higher FG% and maybe even more points. But that's going to be because Lillard creates those numbers for them. When it comes to asserting leadership, Nic and LMA had their chance to really own this team last year. They are good players, but they just aren't natural leaders. By All-Star break we're going to be talking about this as Lillard's team.
very well put, I absolutely agree. Lillard reminds me of Roy - not because of the way he plays: Roy coming out of college: Not more damn box-and-1, NBA is EASIER. Lillard coming out of college: I now have THREE teammates to pass to instead of ZERO, NBA is EASIER. and, to make it relevant to this thread, Nic's response will be "I am definitely OK with Portland!"
The first priority of every team is going to be to stop LMA. No one is going to set up there defense to stop a rookie when LMA is on the floor.
