Batum miraculously made huge strides after a terrible SL all by himself. McMillan's use of him had nothing to do with it. Same goes for his improved play last year.
He's been used properly other then the amount of minutes played. And I think everybody agrees his time on the court will go up big time this season.
Word is he's going to be playing SG for France. Is that "being used properly"? Sure worked great for Kevin Durant, didn't it?
France is playing two games in Toronto, vs. Team Canada today and tomorrow. I don't think either is being televised-- which sucks. BTW, if any of you are in NY/NJ and would like tix to see USA vs. France, you can get a 25% discount here.
I am assuming, after reading a lot of the comments about him, that Batum should go off for 30/9/6 while holding Durant to -4. In all seriousness, I am excited to see how he plays with the ball in his hands more, and with some movement. I already know he is a good defender
According to 82games.com, Durant has played some SG every year. In his first season it was his primary possition, and I would happitly take Durants first season numbers of 20/4/2.
I'm a huge Nic fan, but my expectations are that he'll be more Tayshaun Prince or Josh Childress with a long range jumper in his prime than the Pippen-esque player that some see him becoming. As for what he'll be able to do against Durant/Iguodala/Granger? My guess is that the first two in the list will put a lot of on-the-ball pressure on him and he'll probably struggle on offense (especially if he's the primary ball-handler or number one option), but if the Blues can get out in the open court and run some then who knows what can happen.
It's not his fault, he is new. He had no idea he wasn't supposed to question Nate and his coaching ability. Batum standing in the corner waiting for a kick out pass from Roy as the shot clock is winding down is exactly what Batum should be doing......whew, that was close. You owe me one, DE
LOL... I was told this was a much more objective forum. The rose colored Nate-McGoggles are prevalent in here as well huh? Lemme try again: "Nate has squeezed all we can get out of Batum. No Nate, no defensive master and offensive Swiss Army knife Batum, no Batum on French National team." There. Do I blend in better?
Oh I dunno? How about a failure to get him the ball or draw up plays to take advantage of the fact that Steve Nash was "guarding" him during the playoffs ...
