I just watch Badji’s interview with Schmitz from December 2020 and he says he sees himself being able to guard all 5 positions. Interesting…
If Badji doesn't work out, might they be able to re-sign Sarr to a 2-way again? I like that they are adding size. Butler and Badji are completely different types of bigs. Butler can be a solid 3-point shooter, where Badji wants to dunk everything but can't shoot outside of 5'....even though he has shown some decent tough (very) occasionally from the outside. Badji bring a raw, incredible physical presence that we don't have, so I like that part. Now whether or not he can get it to translate onto the court....that is something else. At least he tries to dunk. Take notes Nurk.
I’m watching highlights and whatnot, and I see he’s hit a fair amount of midrange jumpers in game. His stroke is fairly fluid, so even if he can’t shoot consistently right now, he could be decent in a few years. If the drop-off from Eubanks to Badji isn’t significant, I like his chances of getting a full time deal next year.
His form certainly leaves hope for improvement. Billups seems to have done wonders with young players so far. Is it too much to hope for lighting to strike once again?
Some encouraging shooting stats. FT: 71.4% on very limited attempts 3-pt: 100%...on 1 attempt. Also, only 2 fouls per game in 35 mpg. Also has some decent passing instincts.
It's in 17 mpg. If you were looking on bbref, I dunno why they had it atv35 mpg, but the gleague site has it at 120 something total minutes over 7 games. Still not a bad number though. More blocks than fouls per game!
I wanna see Butler and Badji in together at the end of a blowout. Ridiculous length between those two.
I love that they realize how small they are and for now, are doing what they can to be bigger. Badji: 7'1.5 with a 7'9" wingspan Butler: 7'1" with a 7'2" wingspan Who knows if they get any run, but at some point, there will have to be a consolidation trade. It's nice you have at least raw potential waiting in the wings with Jabari, Keon, T-Wat, Butler and Badji. It's really amazing how many players the Blazer have that they can put on the court where they aren't going to be embarrassed who can contribute. Compare that to Dame's cousin, Brandon Williams, and CJ Elleby sitting on the end of your bench.
If Butler's shooting and Badji's rim presence somehow grows and translates, it will be 2 serious diamonds in the rough.
Butler has already seen game time against Phoenix. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/butlejo01/gamelog/2023
I'm happy. I was touting him in the months leading up to the draft as the guy I wanted the Blazers to pick in the second round. I couldn't understand why he wasn't getting more traction on prospect lists. So, yeah, I'm pretty thrilled. I hate to see Sarr go, but the two guys I wanted in this draft -- Sharpe and Badji -- now both are on my team.
