Spot on.. the thing is is his rebound and assist stats somewhat inflate his value. He never gets the boards that matter, the contested ones in traffic. His assists aren't because of him creating something, they're off set plays and basic pick n rolls which he dumps off a basic bounce pass to a center that scores (sometimes when he could've gotten a better shot himself). Yes he can pass the ball well, but it's not like he puts pressure on the defense and is much of a threat. FG% wise, Batum passes up good shots a lot of the time. Often he can drive in for a layin but dumps it off for a harder shot from someone else. There are many times where he only shoots when he's completely wide open or has a completely wide open dunk. Yes this will make his FG% look good, but is it really better for the team as a whole?
that's like Lebron passing up an NBA season to get rested for the FIBA world championships... Batum's season is in the summer, the NBA is just his paycheck..
So... you say I was spot on, but then say exactly the opposite of the point I was trying (and obviously failed) to make? I'm saying we do get consistent effort from him, and even when his numbers look measly, his efforts pay of in the players around him being more effective while he's on the floor.
"We need consistent effort, and consistent adjustments to his focus depending on what's going on in the game." That is what we need from him... that's what I was agreeing with, and we never get that from him, I guess that's where we disagree
"So when you're bagging on Nic for not being consistent, you're bagging on him for not being LBJ. Because if he was able to play at his best every single night, that's exactly the type of player he'd be." How am I missing the point? That's completely wrong. Even if Nic played his best consistently he wouldn't be an LBJ type player. An LBJ type player is a superstar, and Nic doesnt have the talent to be that type of player. I think I understand the comparison in terms of playing style, but that's still wrong. Lebron always puts pressure on the defense when he has the ball. He can attack the rim and create for himself and others. Nic doesn't attack, that's the problem I have with him. On his best day he's a guy who can hit a couple 3s, make solid passes and defend 3 positions at an above-average level.. the problem is that that doesn't happen enough
