Goran Dragic had an asst% of 28.1 and Mo Williams had an asst% of 26.7. Is Mo Williams that close to Dragic in terms of playmaking? I'm just curious. Or better yet, do you think Mo is a better point guard than Dame? Lillard had an asst% of 25.1.
Batum is consistently the most versatile player on the Portland roster. Batum consistently defers his game to benefit the team and his teammates. Batum consistently provides, night in and night out, the specific tangibles his coach asks: one night, (or for one quarter, or for one play in the clutch), it's to defend a specific player; another it's to distribute the ball and set up teammates; another it's to crash the boards; or set up for the three; and sometimes it's all of those. When he chases down an opponent who is racing down the court, to block the shot, that shows desire. I've seen Batum take, and make, plenty of clutch shots in high pressure points in a game. In fact, I'd say he excels when the pressure is on, or when the team needs him to make a play. And through it all, Batum is consistently bashed by ignoramuses who don't understand the nuance of team basketball.
I certainly wouldn't get it wrong and say Williams is a better playmaker than Dragic, like you said Batum is a better rebounder than Leonard You're saying I'm "predictable" about it, yet you didn't even get it right in the first place. I had to correct you. Learn the facts.
You compared him to Tayshaun Prince. Have you looked at Prince's numbers? Last season Batum averaged 13 points, 5 assists, 7.5 rebounds, and 15.8 PER. Prince never averaged more than 3.3 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and his highest PER was 16.2. Batum's highest PER was 17.3 (twice). You compare Nic to a guy that never really played as well as Batum already has at 25.
Batum averaged more rebounds. A full 1.3 more per game. Is Mo a better passer than Dame? The averages don't think so, but the asst% says he is. Just wondering.
Is he coasting or is he playing with himself and managing his resources through out the game? If you ask him it's probably the later but more than likely it's a lil bit of both. I think he is a very smart ball player...Maybe too smart. I feel that way about a lot of these guys on the team. I think he has another level. I do think we will see that other level. And I think it's a good possibility it occurs this year. It wouldn't surprise me if it happens this year and earns a spot on the All Star team. LA made a jump last year, or at least I feel he did and I think Nic will do something similar this year.
I think if you suggested to Terry Stotts that Batum dogs it and doesn't give it his all, Stotts would punch you right in the nose.
So the difference between Nic's highest PER and Prince's highest PER is 1 Difference between Nic and Leonard in PER from last season: 4 You weren't convinced Leonard was clearly better than Nic, yet for some reason you believe Prince isn't even in Batum's league. I'm off by 1 PER, you're off by 4 PER. Christ man. You're so inconsistent with your reasoning, probably because you're not looking at it objectively. Prince is not a bad comp. for Batum at all. Similar roles and numbers. Who is your comparison for Batum? HINT: DON'T SAY SCOTTIE PIPPEN
If Baum would stopping playing with himself throughout the game, he might be able to dribble with both hands...
He's not a secondary scoring option. Hell he's not even the tertiary scoring option. Those expecting him to turn into a star....at this point in his career, come on.... He's a good player, an above average starter, and a critical part of the team. I don't understand why people feel the need to furiously defend him when people don't think he's one of the best SF in the league?
Well I've never said ast% makes you a better passer or playmaker, so your question doesn't really pertain to me
Speaking only for myself, I'm not defending him vs. people who don't think he's one of the best SF in the league, I'm defending him against people who think he's garbage and we should dump him and play...who exactly in his place??? (Also, I'm not furious. )
