Oh I am not comparing their talent. I am comparing what Pippen's job in Chicago was; like it is with Batum's in Portland.
Good game. But don't disappear now for a few games. (Actually, I think Batum's consistency problem is more on the coach.)
I don't understand that comparison at all. Pippen was a lock down defender who could shut down the leagues best PG, SG, or SF and run a teams offense. For years he was the best perimeter defender in the game. Being able to bring the ball up the court and initiate his teams offense for the entire game gave the coach the flexibility to play a SG at PG and camp him in the corner. The Bulls had many of these guard lineups with shooters like Paxson or Steve Kerr or a defender like Ron Harper. They were able to play together because Pippen could handle the ball. The Bulls could also run a big lineup with Kukoc and Jordan on the court. Batum isn't even an average NBA defender, he rates as one of the worst SF’s by most synergy stats. Yes Batum is great at blocks, especially in transition, but he can’t defend his man one on one, he can’t handle the ball, and he can’t run an offense for more then a portion of a possession. Comparing Batum to Pippen is as silly as comparing Babbitt to Bird.
I don't have the advanced stats; but I'm gonna have to disagree with you on this one. Blocking shots isn't the only thing he does. He steals the ball and his long arms disrupt many passing lanes and shots. Also, I seem to remember Batum was also one assigned to defend other PG, SG and SF. He is good at initiating the offense too. He just isn't bringing the ball up.
That's just silly. Maybe this just goes to prove that all these "synergy" stats are a load of bunk. If you can't see that Nic is a tremendous defender, that's on you. The fact of the matter is that he's generally always guarding the opposition's best player - you know, players like Durant and LBJ. He's not gonna shut those guys down. But he's pretty effective in making them WORK HARD to get the ball, and then making them shoot over the top rather than letting them drive to the hoop. That's good defense even when it results in his man making a long jumper. And let's not forget that Pippen was allowed to hand-check - it's a lot easier to shut down the opposition when you can put a hand on their hip. But yes, he was much better at dribbling, and was generally a more powerful player.
Most of the time when he guards guys like LBJ and Durant, they have better stats than they average. Batum is one of the most overrated defenders I've ever seen. But I've come to terms that some people will just keep thinking it. Batum is incredibly weak on defense and doesn't have good lateral quickness.
No, it's because we've been one of the worst defensive TEAMS for the past 6+ seasons. Nic's doing his part, but an individual can't make up for poor team defense. No individual can make up for poor team defense. Defense starts with the coach and ends with the individual players.
