The Batum tracker thread

First off, no. 95% of the time he's not just guarding the opposing SF. If we're playing OKC or CLE, then yeah, that's true. Otherwise, no.
But let's acknowledge that you're partially correct, and you're mostly just exaggerating your point - he's not guarding the opposition's best player 100% of the time. Do you realize that it's a good defensive strategy to hold onto your trump card until the end? It makes no sense to start Nic, out of position, on the opponent's best player - that gives their coach 3 quarters in which to figure out how to best attack the defense. The smart move is to play your best "standard" defense throughout the first 3 quarters (as long as the game remains close or in your favor), and then switch to your power defense to close out games.
There is no myth as to why Nic is worth his salary. It's simply a fact that he is.

 

Another game where Batum isn't aggressive and we trail an NBA bottom-dweller in the 1st half. We simply need more offense from the starting SF spot.

 

It also didn't help that LA couldn't buy a bucket and the bench played too long in that first half. We're fine.

 

No thanks. I'm quite happy with Wes as our starting 2.

 

You asshole. How dare you talk about Nicky that way! He holds this team together, and Paul Allen should double his salary! He shuts down his opponent and has the passing skills of Magic Johnson.

 

HIT HIM IN THE MUSCLE! HIT HIM IN THE MUSCLE!

 

9 PPG | 3 APG | 44 FG% | 30 MPG since coming back from his injury.

Eh.

 

At least Crabbe is getting some playing time since Batum's injury.

 

Another game where I barely even notice that he's on the court

He played 37 minutes. That's about 15 more than I would have guessed.

 

Blazers win!

Suck it.

 

Not exactly sure what you are looking for but someone has got to score 10 pts, grab 6 rebs, get 2 steals and a block and dish 3 dimes to make this win happen. Not only that but he gets in front of a mic and pours credit all over Rolo for being exactly what he is to this team. Nic Batum makes the offense run smooth and does just about everything he is supposed to while nearly always being in the right place. Sure Crabbe did cover nicely but if you think for a second this team is where it is at with Batum you are sorely mistaken.

 

Yes. Without excellent role players Batum and Lopez selflessly playing their roles, this team doesn't click. One gets credit for it and is held up as a hero, the other is constantly criticized. Odd.

 

Batum is a very important piece to this ball club. Some people can't deal with that

 

The offense was just fine when Batum was hurt

So saying "Batum makes the offense run smooth" seems to be giving him too much credit. His part in it is very small, and ultimately it was just fine without him.

Nice little role player as I've said for years now.

 

Remove your condescending "little" and pretty much everyone agrees with this statement.

 

I've been saying it for years and was told I was wrong

So you're saying pretty much everyone finally agrees with me on the issue?

 

I agree but I think what some are thinking about (myself included) is how much are guys like this worth? I don't mind paying Nic 12 mil per and Rollo 10-11 mil this summer, however paying Nic a max contract IMO is not at all worth it assuming he stays at this level which appears likely. "Glue guys are important but you also have to have and pay the stars first so that there is something worthwhile to glue together. So IMO they have to be second or third tier salaries. Guys like Lillard and LMA get maxes, guys like Nic and Wes are lower down. Another interesting question is who is who is currently worth more - Nic or Wes?

 

Give me Wes

He's better at shooting the 3 and can post up smaller guards

Defensively he's very active and he hustles his ass off every game

Wes is probably more of a leader than we all realize

Losing Wes would hurt way more as far as I'm concerned

 

"IF" I had to choose I also would choose Wes over Nic