Batum: So far proving me wrong.

Discussion in 'Portland Trail Blazers' started by magnifier661, Nov 17, 2012.

  1. magnifier661

    magnifier661 B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

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    I was really pissed when we matched his contract. I thought at best, he would be an above average player. In his 9 games played; he's showing we got him at a damn good price. And the funny thing is many aren't talking too much about him, but look at these fucking numbers. The dude is seriously beasting right now!

    ESPN: Batum Player Profile

    20.8 PPG, 3.2 assist, 1.3 blocks, 2.3 steals, shooting 48% and 40% from 3's.

    I am so glad I was wrong about him. Hopefully he keeps this up!
     
  2. illmatic99

    illmatic99 formerly yuyuza1

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    [video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sntgCAaWosk[/video]
     
  3. Boob-No-More

    Boob-No-More Why you no hire big man coach?

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    He's also averaging a career high (by far) 6.3 rpg. And, with that disastrous game against OKC, got off to a slow start. His two worst shooting games were in the first 5. He's REALLY been playing great lately. He's 9th in the entire league in scoring average (but 49th in salary), fills up the stat sheet in so many ways, and plays great defense.

    Oh, and he's still only 23 (for a couple more weeks).

    BNM
     
  4. magnifier661

    magnifier661 B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

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    Glad management had a vision of the future. It maybe possible that the higher contract, new coach and fan support has really turned things around for Batum. All he needs is a run of good games and I can see his confidence go up and up!
     
  5. Further

    Further Guy

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    Honey badger don't care
     
  6. Further

    Further Guy

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    I think the read and react offense of Stotts is perfect for Batum. It allows his athleticism and talent to shine.
     
  7. SlyPokerDog

    SlyPokerDog Woof! Staff Member Administrator

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    Trade him while his value is really high!
     
  8. HomerLovesKoolAid

    HomerLovesKoolAid I have a well-known member.

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  9. SlyPokerDog

    SlyPokerDog Woof! Staff Member Administrator

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  10. THE HCP

    THE HCP NorthEastPortland'sFinest

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    Just curious to you and other Nic haters, where the hate came from? How could you not see his potential, how could you not see how young he is, why would his contract upset you when compared to all the ones being tossed around the league right now? Never understood the hate at all! Wish I could remember which one of you constantly hammered me and Zags for the past 9 months for being Nic supporters.
     
  11. Sedatedfork

    Sedatedfork Rip City Rhapsody

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    I don't think I hammered Nic. I was in favor of letting him go for the asking price. The reason I think many were not enamored with Nic was because a breakout season was expected last year, and it didn't happen. We all saw the potential, but some (like me) didn't think he would reach it. Kudos to Batum for making good on that contract and ballin' and kudos to the Blazers for not giving up on Batum.
     
  12. THE HCP

    THE HCP NorthEastPortland'sFinest

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    Why was LAST season supposed to be his breakout? Everybody hear always blamed Nate's system for holding him back....... Nate was still here, why would anything have been different?
     
  13. Sedatedfork

    Sedatedfork Rip City Rhapsody

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    Well, without any Roy, there should have been a lot more opportunities for Batum. Instead he treaded water.
     
  14. HailBlazers

    HailBlazers RipCity

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    Sarge was indeed the chains that bind him, maybe it was for the better though, because a new more agressive Nic has emerged.

    It was nice to see Batum demanding the ball last night. Would have been really nice if he would have called for the ball the last play of the game and hit the game winner, but it's understandable, Lillard (Roy.2) is so amazing it's easy to just sit by and watch sometimes.
     
  15. HomerLovesKoolAid

    HomerLovesKoolAid I have a well-known member.

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    I'm not sure that Nate's system held him back. No doubt a free option-read offense is better for Nic but I think he is just maturing.

    He looks less tentative this year, not worried about making mistakes, and that could be just a matter of experience whether nate is here or not.
     
  16. BlazerCaravan

    BlazerCaravan Hug a Bigot... to Death

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    When Mike Barrett let that go, I laughed like a maniac.

    Batum, for all his take-charge attitude, is also averaging a career high in assists (and Assist rate; it's not just that he's playing more minutes). He's a facilitator!
     
  17. handiman

    handiman Well-Known Member

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    Ditto. I'm among those happy to be proven wrong so far, but I'm still skeptical that he'll maintain this level of play (or anything close to it). I'd love for him to continue proving me wrong for the foreseeable future...

    I did think he reverted to Old Batum at the end of the game last night when he started trying to make shots, rather than just shooting when he was open. I still have a nagging fear that he's only playing well right now because there's no pressure/expectations on him, and that as soon as things get serious, he'll become more tentative again.
     
  18. KingSpeed

    KingSpeed Veteran

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  19. BLAZER PROPHET

    BLAZER PROPHET Well-Known Member

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    After watching him at the game last night, he looks better than ever. His defensive instincts are really impressive. His stock is rising with me.
     
  20. Further

    Further Guy

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    I want Honey Badger to be Batums new nickname. Hop MB pulls it out again.
     

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