That way of looking at things is why we [IMO] overspent to keep Batum. Just because there's no one currently available that's as good or better, doesn't mean it's wise to overspend to keep someone that makes an uncompetitive team marginally better. Save the money and improve the team elsewhere. The team is too young to think in terms of immediate replacements.
Where? With who? I have to bring up El Prez's old "Imaginary Cap Space" rants, because I'd actually agree with it now if the Blazers had let Batum walk and done nothing with that money. Batum, based on the market, isn't drastically being overpaid, which is a subjective value anyhow. It's not a "fact" that Batum is being overpaid. His value is based on the eye of the observer, and not some set value. Luckily, even with Batum's contract, the Blazers should have decent cap space next summer as well, and don't have any significant RFAs to protect or to sign.
Nic is the furthest thing from an "immediate replacement"! The guy will not be in his prime for another 6 years!
Not to mention a 31 year old who started playing internationally at a young age and who has a shown signs of breaking down over the long grueling NBA season. I would love to have him coming off the bench for 5 million, but hoping his injuries problems are behind him is a long shot. I don't fault the TWolves for signing him, (Only a 2 year deal) but why would we when we can have Batum?
Reading comprehension is a lost art... I was replying to, "Who on the free agent market would we have replaced him with?" It should have been clear that Batum wasn't the immediate replacement being referred to. Next year is the off-season to be looking at free agency. Dallas has it right, with short-term filler contracts to take another run when most teams are reeling from having overspent the past two years in a tightened CBA.
Patty's having a fun Olympics - first he sets an Olympic scoring record with 39 points (for a huge comeback win over Freeland and hapless GB) then this: [video=youtube;rEZr74pQqiY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEZr74pQqiY[/video] (To be fair: Russia weren't trying very hard, as they'd already qualified. But still.) Ex-Blazers in the Olympics: Patty Ike Diogu Viktor Khryapa and Sergei Monya Rudy and Sergio Player Blazers still holds the rights to: Federico Kammerichs (STILL on the Argentine national team) Legendary Ex-Blazer to be seen watching games: SABAS!
Nic finished as leading scorer of France. 23pts, 6rebs, 2stls, 1blk, 8/13 FG, 4/9 from 3 in 25mins. FRA wins. From UO G, Oguchi went off for Nigeria
AS a friend and mentor to Damian Lillard, our PGOTF. Don't tell me you'd rather have a towel waving patty over damian?
I thought they were trying pretty hard. Their coach sure seemed pissed. Australia had also qualified, and neither team could alter their position; so the game meant nothing other than pride.
Latest Ben Golliver report: http://www.blazersedge.com/2012/8/6...olympics-nicolas-batum-victor-claver-and-joel Batum another good game but against inferior competition; Batum is shooting 84% on twos for the tournament. Freeland plays little due to foul trouble and Claver plays little because apparently he stinks.
