At least for the next couple of preseason games. I want to see what the kid can do with the first unit.
I'm starting to come around and I think they should try Batum at least one game starting. I also think they need to try Blake/Roy/Rudy/LMA/Oden together for one or two games. If Blake doesn't come back soon enough then put Sergio or Bayless in Blake's spot. Outlaw did play better today but I'm not sold on him being a starter and it couldn't hurt trying both Batum and Rudy starting.
Agreed. I would like to see what Rudy could do with Roy, Aldridge, and Oden. I would even try a lineup of Rudy, Roy, Batum, Aldridge, Oden.
I also thought of that lineup of Rudy/Roy/Batum/LMA/Oden. I wouldn't mind Nate trying that lineup but I think if Blake comes back he will be the starting PG unless he struggles a lot.
Count me in. Batum doesn't need the ball. He seems to shoot in rhythm. He plays good to spectacular D. He sure didn't shy away from AK47 tonight. He also seems to understand both D and O better than Outlaw. Pritchard the Prophetic. How in the world does he see these things. Nice MB piece on Batum.
With Webster out due to injury, I would be willing to start Nico and continue bringing Outlaw off the bench. I'm convinced that Batum has loads of talent and potential but feel he needs more experience which can only come with playing time. I would like to see him continue putting up stats like he did against Utah on a consistent basis. JAFO
All I can say is how can you go wrong with a name like "Nic?" If Batum keeps this up then I think it's almost a guarantee that he gets some really big minutes to start the regular season. The interesting thing will be finding out who plays better with the starters, Travis or Nic? -- my money is on the youngster. What will really be interesting to see is how minutes get divvied up when Martell makes it back into the rotation a couple of months from now.
I'm not so certain that Martell gets back for significant minuets in tow months. These injuries are not easily healed. I also believe that Batum will get a lot of minuets before he gets back and may very well hold on to them. Just my opinion, but a good one.(see my avitar) g
If Batum starts and the team gets on a role before Webster comes back Nate will have a hard time switching him out of the starting role. That means Nate will have to find minutes for 3 small forwards. Gonna have some unhappy campers if that's the case. I would be very surprised if Webster or Travis aren't traded with Raefs contract by the trade deadline.
we kinda did the same thing last year with webster jones and outlaw but i guess outlaw was playing pf... i would love to see batum lock up kobe!! hahaha i wish
...and it's hard to be in basketball shape when you can't run/jump because of a broken foot. For everyone's sake (including MW's) I hope they hold him back and make sure he's 100% before he resumes playing. Never rush back from an injury to something that is weight bearing. STOMP
From what MB and the coaching staff have said about Batum's strengths, his Draftexpress profile pretty much nails it: •Size for wing player • Freakish athleticism • Outstanding wingspan • Mid-range game • Ability to create separation from defender • Transition play • Finishing ability • Cuts to the basket • Basketball IQ • Court vision • Unselfishness • Terrific experience playing at highest level of European basketball • Perimeter defense • Stat-stuffing role-player potential • Upside
I think he'll start on Monday. I also think he will put up #'s nowhere near as nice as his last game.
I'd give him the start in the final preseason games, to see how he plays with the first unit and against the other teams starters, and if he does well....Start'em. It's still hard to beilieve a kid that was thought as D-League material this year, has worked his way into having a chance to start opening night. CRAZY!!!!
I was just thinking how unexpected it would be a couple of weeks ago if we were to say, "which rookie is most likely to start for our team first? Oden, Rudy, Bayless?" and for the answer to be "Batum... and hopefully Oden if he's still healthy".
