When is he going to start showing a 100% commitment to the Blazers Nicolas Batum will play for French national team this summer, which won’t make Blazers fans happy Brett Pollakoff Mar 10, 2015, 11:50 AM EDT 5 Comments Getty Images Nicolas Batum is having a down season for the Blazers, and his dip in production has been one reason why Portland hasn’t been able to make the leap to the level of legitimate contender this year. His scoring and field goal percentage have dropped significantly, and Batum has admitted to being fatigued. But contrary to what might make the most sense for his NBA career, Batum will once again play for the French national team this summer — which may enrage some fans of the Blazers. From Joe Freeman of The Oregonian: He knows his decision will seem perplexing. He knows some Trail Blazers fans will be upset. He knows there will be animosity and debate on internet message boards and talk radio. … But he also knows his country needs him. So Batum has decided to play for the French National Team this summer, when it will try to defend its EuroBasket Championship on native soil in August. … “I have to fight for my country,” he said. It isn’t just fatigue that’s caught up with Batum this year, after leading France to a bronze medal in FIBA World Cup play last summer. There have been medical issues, too — Batum underwent platelet rich plasma injections in his knee, and also spent time dealing with a wrist injury. But plenty of foreign-born players feel an incredible sense of loyalty to their home country, and Batum is merely one more that places additional significance on playing for his national team, despite how it may ultimately affect his ability to perform in the following NBA season.
The tournament is in France this year, no way he's missing that. One of the few times he gets to play at a high level in front of a home crowd. I hope he wins.
Nic has already showed what he is worth. This guy is not getting younger. His injuries will get worse and they will take longer to heal from. The Blazers would be well advised to simply pay him for what he is worth. 7-8 mil a year IMO. If some team want's to give him more then so be it.
I understand it's in france and that's a really difficult decision, pride, country loyalty, etc... but damn, man, take a break! Short term vs. Long term.
Whaaat!? Damn. I understand why he has to do it. But since I put the Blazers first, I don't like it. I never have.
Doesn't Matter if he is in a contract year or not, he needs to commit to the Blazers and take the summer to rest his body so he is 100% healthy when her shows up to training camp.
My point exactly. Let him do whatever he wants. He will be in one next year and that is the only one that really counts to him right? The summer of 2016 will also be an Olympic year. He would of course never be expected to sit out the Olympics. Nic is simply going to keep playing every Summer. He has shown that every year he will come back and have to deal with nagging injuries and being "Worn Out". The Blazers would be well advised to expect it.
Maybe they should try and trade him this summer and get someone who is committed 100% to the Blazers. Yea he has had two or three good games in the last couple of weeks, but he really hasn't shown that he is 100% committed to the Blazers.
This is my point. If he can't commit this summer and work to help the Blazers while the window is opening then he never will. This season has been a prime example for him to go off of. Take this year off and then when the Olympics come around go play for France. Saying the games are in France to me is like saying the games are in Oregon this year instead of California. Europe simply is not that big.
Nic brings an awful lot when he is playing well. But i agree...There are players out there that can also do what he does. He isn't the only SF out there.
To be fair he has been playing very well since the break. He also played very well in the Playoffs last year. Without Nic this team goes nowhere IMHO. However, there are players that will be available not only this summer but next that could fill his role. We all want Nic to play well for the Blazers and i would hate for him to become a Blazer Killer but at some point the time has got to come for him to choose what is going to be important to him. This gives us all a pretty good idea where his priorities are. Nic is playing for France not only this year but be assured next year also.
Didn't see anyone bashing Stephen Curry for playing for team USA. Admit it maniac, you just don't care for the French.
Yeah i have a personal vendetta against the French National Team. That's it. Stephen Curry answered those questions pretty well himself. Now if he would have come back and stunk the place up there might be some different statements being made. Nic Made his bed and now he must sleep in it. Also This season is not done yet for Curry. One rolled ankle and the Golden State Warriors are a totally different team. We have seen it many times with Curry.
I heard Will Barton will be playing pickup games all summer on outdoor concrete courts in Baltimore..Denver fans should be outraged!
