This came out about a week ago so old news but didn't see it posted: Scott Howard-Cooper: Talked with Nic Batum on Mon. He said offseason workouts have focused on developing a post game. Considers it part of taking the next step. Twitter @SHowardCooper
Nice! I know he worked on ball-handling last summer - and I'm sure he'll work on everything this summer - but I hope that's also a major area of focus. I don't know if ball-handling is just one of those things that his mind/body won't ever excel at, but IMO it's the #1 roadblock to total dominance.
It would be good to see him get comfortable taking advantage of small, poor defenders. Kind of an odd situation because as soon as he learns that skill teams won't switch their PG onto him and it'll become an irrelevant part of his game. But not having that basic post game has been a weakness at times.
If a team can't switch the PG onto him, then that PG will need to guard Damian or Wes, which will in turn make their lives a little easier. While it may become an irrelevant part of Nic's game, it'll make the team as a whole much more effective...
Hopefully these moves will be quick post moves. (as opposed to just backing his man down) I would love to see quick cuts to the basket without the ball, receiving a pass and then the quick post move. Nic is long enough that he should be able to do that against more than just smaller PGs.
Prince turned into a very reliable post scorer in Detroit. They're already similar offensively . I like this.
That is exactly who I was thinking about. Not a large frame by any means, but long. Now he just needs that baby hook....
Big Nic fan (obviously) but I cringe when I think of Nic getting aggressive on offense looking for his shot, that is when he looks his worst, IMO. He is a ball movement, cutting and passing kind of player to me and the longer the ball just sits in his hands as he looks for a shot is where I anticipate an ugly forced shot. I think Nic would fit in perfectly in SA . . . or with the Blazers I would like to see him as a 4th option but with an offensive scheme where he gets lots of touches and the offense flows through him.
Stats are surprisingly close. Couple differences, Nic averaged 7.5 rpg (!) this year. Prince's career high was 5.8. Nic averaged 5.1apg this year, and Prince's career high was 3.3. Scoring wise, Prince's career high was 14.7 ppg, Nic was at 13 last season (and 14.3 year before). Just looking at raw stats obviously... but I'm nitpicking. You've got a point. In terms of eye test though, I never saw Tay create as much for his teammates as Nic did last season for his. And I'm surprised at how much of a better rebounder he has become.
Sure, all true. Prince was also the 4th option on those much-lower-scoring Pistons teams, and a significantly better defender than Batum (all defense 2nd team 5 straight years). It's about a wash.
Also as an aside, I recall that Prince was a pretty hot commodity for a while, and highly desired by many in the Blazer community. I also recall that his contract was (inflation adjusted) almost identical to Nic's. If Prince was worth the money then, Nic probably is now.
Exactly why a post up game would suite him well IMO. He doesn't have to dribble but simply get into position. His ability to hit a shot with a hand in the face is notable, and we've seen glimpses of his fadaway being money as well.
