He can stop Durant. His unique combination of size, length, and agility make him the closest thing to a KD stopper in the NBA. Pretty important if we want to challenge OKC anytime in the future. Not that this video provides evidence, it's just a reminder of how well Batum matches up against Durant. [video=youtube;NkFGMmx7m5g]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkFGMmx7m5g[/video] Now If Batum could just raise his offensive game to the level of his D, then the Blazers would most definitely not be overpaying for Nic. Get D'Antoni
"He can stop Durant." "His unique combination of size, length, and agility make him the closest thing to a KD stopper in the NBA."
Said learn to Read, not Quote. But okay okay, maybe not stopper cus there's no stopping KD, but KD slower in the least.
My Readin' skillz 'r jus fine. You state from the jump why Nicolas is worth 45 million; you say he's the closest thing to a Durant Stopper -- which isn't backed up by actual head-to-head statistics, but he had a chase down block in one international game so it must be true -- and then you go on to say if he could raise his offensive game to the level of his D he'd be worth the money -- based mostly on an unearned reputation because of his physical profile and potential at that end -- which implies that he is currently overpaid. So what is it exactly you are trying to say?
That I've yet to watch a player that physically matches up better with Durant. And that Batum is the only saving grace to us not having him ourselves. At least we have a guy that can D him up, and that's worth 45 mil. Throw in some offensive growth, and he could be like LMA, contract wise.
As a Nic supporter, this kind of thread topic is bad news. You are only asking the haters to come on out and hate. Next time title it...... "Damn, what an amazing block by Nic. He's only going to get better!"
Haters are nothing but bitches, and I like bitches. And yes, he's young and only going to get better. Can't wait to see him take the step LMA has the last couple seasons.
I wasn't hating on Batum. I love his game and glad the Blazers kept. I just thought calling him a Durant stopper was a bit over the top.
I sure didn't see anybody hating on Nic, I'm just trying to get some clarification on what seems like once both an overstatement and contradiction.
^lol yea it was. That's how I roll. But other than Iguodola, who else would you rather have guarding KD?
I think he has the ability to bother Durant, or slow him down, but I'm not sure anyone in the league can "stop" Durant right now.
If he can continue developing his offensive game and score 17-19 per/game he'll be worth his contract. However, his DRtg has been nearly identical since his rookie year: 107/107/108/107 The next coach is going to be crucial in Nic's next step.
There are no Durant-stoppers, but I think Anthony Davis should be an interesting matchup. Although actually, I think the players that give Durant trouble are the ones that get physical with him. Rodman or Mase would've been interesting. Although nowadays they'd just foul out.
