The Batum tracker thread

Try bellyflopping off a 10ft ladder onto a hardwood court, then play two NBA games and get back to me

 

What was his excuse the rest of the season?

 

I don't think he had one. His shot hasn't been falling and I suspect that he would like nothing better than to get back to his usual game. I thought that he was finally starting to look more like his old self in a couple of games before he was injured. What does piss me off (and I'm not putting you in this category) is people piling on when a guy can't perform because of injuries.

I've got no problem with fans who are looking to upgrade the team. I haven't heard anybody suggest a reasonable trade for Batum that would do that. I think when he's right, he's the perfect complement to the other scorers on the team. I want that guy back and I'm pretty confident he's going to get there.

 

If his shot comes back, you will hear no complaints from me. I love everything else he does. As it stands right now, he's a liability on offensive end.

I've said this before but I will say it again. He can contribute on the offensive end without a stroke. Just drive into the lane aggressively and score that way. He's got the skills to finish at the rim, even without a shot

 

Hmm...several sniping comments in the Batum thread.

 

I'd point out:

A. That's exactly what Batum was doing when he was injured. If there's an open lane, Nic generally will take it to the basket.

B. The opportunities to take it to the basket against a set defense get to be fewer when the defenders are sagging off of you because they don't think you can make an outside shot. Nic needs his outside shot to start falling in order to open up more driving lanes.

 

I'd have no problem with batums slump if it actually looked like he cared while playing. My god, this guy has been loafing around on the court like he'd rather be anywhere else in the whole world. If you're injured sit until you're healthy.

 

Back picks, give and go and other varies team oriented plays can solve the sag. There have been many wing players that can't shoot for shit and still score, get to the line and contribute on the offensive end.

 

Unfortunately, that is not Batum this season.

 

I don't disagree with that, but those are decisions for the coach to make in changing up the offense. You guys have been putting this all on Batum as if he can decide to drive the ball to the hole any time he wants. He has to stay within the offense unless something opens up, and that doesn't happen as often if guys are sagging off of him.

 

He just needs to get 10-12 "efficient" points a game. That's not too much to ask for someone of his ability IMO

 

Well, I'm all for him doing it. Let's get him healthy and then let him get to work.

 

I know, right?!? We have the second best record in the league right now... and a team that has this much chemistry (and this much winning) should not be "fixed" by trading a long time starter (and fan favorite for a lot of us) a 3rd of the way into the season!

 

I'm not wanting him to be traded though so...

 

So...only the tar, hold the feathers?

 

If that's what it means then I guess. I just want him to do what he's been doing and look to score. He has the ability to force the refs to send him to the line if only he was aggressive. A little assertiveness would shut down all the critics.

His problem is he doesn't go at defense. He doesn't force the refs to call fouls and he doesn't post up. All things of his length and ability can do very easily.

That's our missing piece. He's our missing piece and I don't know who the fuck will get through him or Stotts to press this issue

 

Time to blame Stotts?

 

Repped.

 

So... get well Nic and go Blazers?

 

Exactly.

How are you doing these days, Spud?