BBert
Weasels Ripped My Flesh
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The Batum tracker thread
- Thread starter Fez Hammersticks
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H.C.
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It makes me wonder..
What is the reason the Blazers see a passive Batum, yet the french national team gets an aggressive Batum who is one of their best players?
The defensive lapses from Batum have minimized sense Wes went down as well...
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He is the #2 option in France usually. For the Blazers when everyone is healthy he is #4.
Batum is one of the most talented players in the world but he is very team first. He does what is needed.
BBert
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On the French team, Batum is the best player and is expected to lead the team and to carry the load.
On the Blazers, Batum is expected to be a (very, good) supporting role player, set up teammates, and be aggressive only when called upon. He is not the "leader". That role is reserved for LaMarcus No. 1, and Lillard No. 2, and probably Wes No. 3.
On the Blazers, Batum is expected to be a (very, good) supporting role player, set up teammates, and be aggressive only when called upon. He is not the "leader". That role is reserved for LaMarcus No. 1, and Lillard No. 2, and probably Wes No. 3.
H.C.
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I agree he does do what is needed.. and that it seems obvious he is the #4/5 option with the Blazers.
I'm curious though. With Aldridge/Lillard on the court...
When Batum has around these numbers
16.6 PPG / 9.3 RPG / 5 APG
.540/.500/.667
What is the Blazers record? I bet it's damn good.
I love Matthews. He's mostlikely my fav Blazer player..
But are the Blazers better with Batum scoring more points and Wes taking a backseat?
magnifier661
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It's because Batum Shakalaka
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Yes, the Blazers are a better team when Batum's role is expanded. I love Wes but he is just an elite 3 and D guy with an infectious personality. Batum is more of a Pippen/Grant Hill type (obviously not as great though). If this team ever wins a championship Batum has to be the guy who gives us 17/8/6 on good shooting, I honestly think he can get to those numbers with an expanded role.
magnifier661
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Batum definitely has the talent to be at a pippen or grant hill caliber
BBert
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Good question.
I kind of like what was the status quo of Batum setting guys up and Matthews firing threes, and Batum turning on the jets when needed. That is: If he does; and if he's effective when he does. I think it's hard to turn that switch, from passive set-up guy to aggressive scorer, when you are not in that mindset or rhythm.
I guess it's the 'when needed' part a lot of people complain about -- we're thinking it's "Batum Time", while he's still in support role mode. But now, when he goes into a game knowing he has to do more than assist, rebound and play defense, I think it must be easier to get your mind in that place?
I do think we don't win that Houston series without some really clutch play by Batum. It's such a relief to see him playing that way again.
BBert
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I think Batum is definitely our third option now, with Wes out, ahead of Afflalo.
For real, when Wes comes back, whether or not he gets his starting job back, we need Batum to play at this level. He has the all around talent to be considered part of our 'big three'.
For real, when Wes comes back, whether or not he gets his starting job back, we need Batum to play at this level. He has the all around talent to be considered part of our 'big three'.
Boob-No-More
Why you no hire big man coach?
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I think Batum's resurgence is due to a combination of factors:
a) Getting Rolo back. They seem to have a really good chemistry and both play better together than apart.
b) Rest and healing. We know his wrist has been bothering him most of the season. Those 9 days off seem to have provided a ton of healing - both physical and psychological.
c) Wes going down. I really don't buy this one much as he's been playing great since the AS break - even before Wes was injured.
d) Guarding the other team's elite PGs. This is one I haven't seen anyone else mention. Since the AS break, Stotts has gone back to putting Nic on the other teams' PGs in the 4th quarter. For some reason, when he's tasked with defending elite PGs (Westbrook, CP3, etc.) it seems to energize his entire game. It's like it lights a fire under him. He was guarding CP3 in the 4th quarter and OT of the Clippers game and also attacking at the other end. Honestly, in all his years here in Portland, that 4th quarter and OT against the Clipps was probably the best I've ever seen Nic play on both ends of the court. He was shutting down CP3 at one end and attacking the rim, hitting 3s and setting up his teammates at the other end. If we get anything close to that Nic in the playoffs, we will be a tough out for anyone.
BNM
a) Getting Rolo back. They seem to have a really good chemistry and both play better together than apart.
b) Rest and healing. We know his wrist has been bothering him most of the season. Those 9 days off seem to have provided a ton of healing - both physical and psychological.
c) Wes going down. I really don't buy this one much as he's been playing great since the AS break - even before Wes was injured.
d) Guarding the other team's elite PGs. This is one I haven't seen anyone else mention. Since the AS break, Stotts has gone back to putting Nic on the other teams' PGs in the 4th quarter. For some reason, when he's tasked with defending elite PGs (Westbrook, CP3, etc.) it seems to energize his entire game. It's like it lights a fire under him. He was guarding CP3 in the 4th quarter and OT of the Clippers game and also attacking at the other end. Honestly, in all his years here in Portland, that 4th quarter and OT against the Clipps was probably the best I've ever seen Nic play on both ends of the court. He was shutting down CP3 at one end and attacking the rim, hitting 3s and setting up his teammates at the other end. If we get anything close to that Nic in the playoffs, we will be a tough out for anyone.
BNM
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This is gonna get a little OT
Actually... Assuming Afflalo bounces (would love if he stayed), we could bring in a legit 6th man and still start Wes (when he comes back)on limited minutes. Guys like JR Smith, Rodney Stuckey (my preferred player) and Lou Williams will be available. Also, I think if we can package our pick+CJ draft night and move up to around 18-20 and draft Delon Wright (maybe get a big coming back too).
Lineup would be SICK (post xmas)
Dame / Wright / Blake
Wes / Stuckey
Batum / Crabbe / Wright
Aldridge / Leonard
Lopez / Kaman (?) / Freeland (?)
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H.C.
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Personally I think Batum plays better defensively when he's asked to score, not just set people up.
Matthews proved in his younger years he's not a good 6th man..
Could Batum prove that when he's asked to score, that he stays more engaged on both ends. IDK time will tell..
There is no other possible #3 option beside him now. So it's needed now, especially when teams trap Lillard on the P&R.
He is now the wing outlet.
Batum has always been that second play maker on the perimeter, but he could get away with not being... because of the volume Matthews would shoot at.
Now he can't get away with it.