I watched the Portland vs Sacramento game. What's up with Babbitt being put in at 2:15 mark in the 4th when the Blazers have a 15+ pt lead? Sounds like old Nate McMillan crap all over again. Yeah I know his defense still needs help but he can still hit the 3 pointer. And he has improved since his rookie season.
False fucking advertising! I pre-ejaculated with the great news. Oh well; maybe him and stash will play hopscotch during the practices.
I think a second coaching staff's opinion (ie, he's not worth playing) is a lot more damning than a first's. I have had moderately high hopes for Babbitt, but if he can't get regular minutes off the bench for this team, he's going to have to get a lot better to stick in the NBA. Ed O.
Stotts waited long after it was a blowout to finally insert players who need experience--Claver, etc. McMillan actually played Babbitt a lot less often than this year. Babbitt has improved per minute, but only by fouling a lot. http://www.hoopsstats.com/basketbal...-trail-blazers/team/playerstats/13/25/1-3-eff
I think the Blazers may need to ditch their plan of trying to add another max level player and just go out and get a bench. Jack, Landry, Hayward, Budinger....
Compared to last year per minute, Babbitt is way up in fouls, assists, steals, 3FGA, and points, and a little down in FTA, 2FGA, and offensive rebounds. His key marker 3FG% is down from .430 to .375. Freed from McMillan, he is less conservative on staying outside, shooting 3s but missing, and fouling to get steals.
With a Hickson struggling in the fourth Babbitt was picked against the Bobcats. With 12+ min of playing time I have been a believer of Babbitt for his 3 pt threat when he gets those minutes.
I think it is safe to say Babbitt plays better surrounded by starters. His skill serves a purpose. He helps spread the floor, and when he makes quick decisive decisions with the ball (Either shooting or passing) he helps the team. He gets in to trouble when he holds on to the ball. I hope they can find a role for him because he does have a sweet stroke. Not sure why people said he couldn't shoot in the clutch. How many opportunities has he had to shoot "in the clutch"?
I've said it all along. Babbitt has an elite NBA skill in his 3-pt shooting, given the opportunity. That is all it takes to stick in the NBA, plus Luke can rebound a bit. Whether or not he fits in with the Blazers future is a different story, but I still don't like passing on his option this summer. Thought it was a dumb move at the time by Olshey. Maybe it won't matter, depending one what the $2.9 extra in cap space brings.
Most players, if given the green light to be 1-dimensional volume shooters, can improve their percentages. He's a better rebounder than shooter.
