Joel Przybilla could be headed back to Portland

We are getting off the topic, but Nic is without a doubt one of the best defensive SG/SF's in the league... but that doesnt get ya into the All Star game.
If Nic keeps it up and continues to improve on offense, I definitly think he could someday be an All Star. Confidence has been his biggest issue IMO, and he's gaining lots of confidence lately.

 

With the usual caveat about small sample size, Batum is averaging 20.3 PTS and 6.1 REB as a starter. If, and I know that's a big if, he could do so for the first half of next season, he'd definitely be a worthy all-star candidate.

To put it in perspective, 20.3 PPG would put him tied for 10th, with Dwight Howard, in the entire league in scoring. There are only two SGs in the entire league currently averaging over 20.3 PPG. Kobe Bryant leads the league in scoring at 29.0 PPG and Monta Ellis is tied for 6th at 22.3 PPG. Batum is also averaging 6.1 RPG as a starter. That's more than Kobe and way more than Monta. Add in Batum's BLKs and STLs and he's actually playing all-star level ball right now - but only for seven games.

There are a lot of factors that go into who makes the all-star team. Obviously, basic stats like PPG factor in, but also team record, name recognition, etc. So, Batum would need to produce at the same level he is now, over a longer period, but in order for the Blazers to have two all-stars, they would likely need to be one of the top four teams in the Western Conference the first half of next season.

David Stern also likes to market the league internationally, and the all-star game is a showcase that attracts viewers from around the globe. This year's all-star rosters include 5 international players (Deng, Great Britain; Marc Gasol, Spain; Tony Parker, France; Steve Nash, Canada and Dirk, Germany). And recent all-star games have also had a definite international flavor (Pau, Manu, Yao, etc.). So, being French does not hurt Nic's chances. Heck, if he was Chinese, he'd probably be voted a starter.

And, he only recently turned 23. He has shown remarkable improvements on the offensive end, and still has room to get even better. Nicolas Batum Future All-Star doesn't sound all that far fetched to me.

BNM

 

Ok, so let's say you are right and Batum's recent numbers are an aberration. I disagree, but whatever.

You do concede, at least, that Aldridge will be an All Star next year? That he's 6'11, that he'll probably have once again around a 24 PER, that he's likely to play 78 games at least, that he's an above-average defender.

Can you find for me an example where a team with a similar asset was able to get a top 4 or so lottery pick? And not just one time, because really very, very few teams dip in the lotto one year, get what they need, then leave.

The closest I can come up with is the Elton Brand Clippers. (He was a 2-time All Star, whereas Aldridge will probably make it 6 or 7 times, but whatever.) He played for the Clips from 2001 to 2007. Check out the picks they had in those years. Count 'em up. There is exactly 1 top 4 pick they had in his seven seasons there. (Shaun Livingston! Yay!)

Do you seriously want us to tank so we can roll the dice on being the next Elton Brand Clippers?

Or are you saying we should dump Aldridge for picks so we can....hopefully draft a guy like Aldridge?

 

Oh, come on, Mook. Don't try to pin him down. It's much easier just to be negative and act like you know more than the Blazers' coaches and scouts and continue to spin the superior BS card that so many around here love to play. Having to make an active suggestion as to a future course, and any potential flack from sticking your neck out, is such a drag.

 

What Boob said!

Mods - can you move all the Batum All Star talk into its own thread?

 

Who's a fucking mercenary? Me? What do I gain if Joel gets a ring with Chicago or Miami (aside from being happy for Joel)?

 

Fuck Yea.

 

Vanilla Gorilla back in a Blazer Uni! I don't care how limited he is; I always loved the guy. Maybe he instills a little more toughness to this ball club.

 

Didn't he just call you a whore? Or is that not what he meant by "fucking mercenary"?

 

I don't want us to tank at all. But the Blazers would be better off focusing on the future of this team instead of squeaking into the playoffs and losing in the first round again. Mediocrity in sports is a death sentence. Zach had a PER of 23, Roy had a PER of 18 and LA had a PER of 17 the year before we landing the number one overall pick.

The following year, Roy Aldridge and Oden were all above 18 when we were 1 number away from landing Derek Rose

Thsi team isn't going to win anything, so why not see what the young guys can do next to Aldridge and Batum?

 

I have made suggestions for future course. You just don't agree with them, so you went all passive aggressive

 

Don't want to say your opinion is wrong, because I actually really agree with it. But.... Didn't the Spurs have a superstar "David Robinson" that was injured and they got Duncan? Doesn't that apply?

 

There are a lot of cases where it has happened. It's making the right choice that matters

 

If there was anything passive about my aggressiveness, I apologize for it. Other than a constant drone about replacing McMillan as head coach, I can't seem to recall any practical suggestions coming from you.

 

get lotto picks was one. Joel was a lotto pick! perfect

 

Not a lot of expectations for Chris Johnson, yet he has still been a disapointment this year. Blazers need rebounders and if Joel has 80% of what he had when he was here, Blazers could use him.

 

Then you aren't reading my posts. It's all good. We all want the team to win a title, and we only argue because we all have different approaches to get there. In the end we are all TrailBlazer fans

 

Oh, now don't go all Kumbaya on me. I'm feeling pissy this morning and kicking you is better than kicking the cat.