Sophia <3 s J-Quick
by Dave on Oct 17, 2008 2:48 AM PDT
134 comments
Jason Quick has an article up describing the possibilities of Nicolas Batum being in the starting lineup on opening night. He spends a fair amount of time on Roy's assessment of Batum (positive) and makes a fair amount of hay from the fact that Nic hasn't left the starting lineup since Martell went down. That latter clause, however, weighs more than all of the others combined. The reality is we wouldn't be talking about this at all if Martell wasn't injured and even if Batum does get the nod it's unlikely he'll remain a starter for long once Martell returns.
It doesn't sound like Roy is too thrilled about the prospect of moving to small forward himself and it doesn't sound like Coach McMillan is overly eager to move Rudy in there either. Outlaw either hasn't performed well enough, doesn't fit philosophically into the first unit, or is too valuable to the second unit to move into a starter's role. It's to Batum's credit that he's played well enough to make himself a viable alternative. But maybe the take-away point is that we don't have as many viable alternatives as we assumed?
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)
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It's fair to assume there is a lack of options.
I think though that if Nate was not confident in Batum’s ability he would ask Roy to fill in for a couple months or just start Rudy/Outlaw.
So I do believe it says more about Batum doing good than a lack of options, at least that’s what I’m hoping.
by Bskey on Oct 17, 2008 3:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Hmm
Now I regret not assuming the summer league is a great indicator of the regular season. This stuff makes sense but does not sound like something Coach Nate would be into.
It is disturbing to me that people often say we need to consolidate the roster because the team is too deep, and we might begin the season with two rookies starting. I really don’t know what else to say except good for KP for drafting him and good for Batum for stepping up.
Blazers Edge has an alarmist vision and a poet's heart.
by tominhawaii on Oct 17, 2008 3:51 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Right
My instinct is to say “YEAH” and want the little-known rookie go out and make a splash. But at the same time are you pulling another Sergey Monia and throwing a guy out there that isn’t ready yet? It could seriously hurt his confidence. And there are guys sitting on the bench that have NBA-ready skills. Granted, Batum plays defense like a veteran, but still…he’s 19…
Sergio has a knack for making passes that lead to layups and dunks, for both teams. - Ben G.
by jamon51 on Oct 17, 2008 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
More viable alternatives
Not fewer.
At the end of last season, everyone assumed that if Martell wasn’t starting, Travis would be. The draft didn’t change that. Neither did Summer League, or training camp.
One thing did change it — the Olympics. All of a sudden, people realized Rudy might be a starter. So if you had said Martell was going to go down, people would have said, “Travis or Rudy?” There’s little doubt that one, at least, of those would have been viable.
All of a sudden, we’ve got another option. If Batum starts, it isn’t out of desperation. It is because it brings greater value to the team to start him than it would be to break up the second unit. That tells us what a valuable weapon they consider the second unit to be.
The most amazing thing about my amazing ego is I have amazingly little about which to be egotistical.
The pick and roll this year will emphasize "roll" followed by "dunk", followed by the wailings and lamentations of your women.
by jscot on Oct 17, 2008 4:21 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I have a nickname: The "coupe de grace" unit.
Sergio + Rudy = 16
Sergio + Bayless = 16
Batum 8+8=16
by amlmart1 on Oct 17, 2008 4:33 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Good one! :)
Sergio has a knack for making passes that lead to layups and dunks, for both teams. - Ben G.
by jamon51 on Oct 17, 2008 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nom de guerre?
Trés bon!
when you’ve been in a dry land even a little dew looks inviting —Dave
"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn." - Tom Landry
by lee3022 on Oct 17, 2008 7:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with this.
I think Dave’s question is good and I hadn’t thought about it from that perspective. After reading the question I thought. where had all my blazers gone?!?!
However, I think the clear answer is not about a lack of talent. J. Quick brings up the same point about the chemistry of the second unit and keeping them intact. The answer to Dave’s question is about chemistry. In fact, I don’t want to be too critical, but Dave’s 2nd paragraph is written with a ‘talent’ context in some of the phrases: “Outlaw either hasn’t performed well enough” and “Batum’s credit that he’s played well enough.”
Also, Quick gives a quote by Roy which says something to the effect about desiring an unselfish player… again, more chemistry than talent
by hotstuffdb22 on Oct 17, 2008 4:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a little disappointed in you, Dave ...
I listened to the podcast this week, and for the first time that I can recall, you came off as sounding like an arrogant know-it-all when talking about Nicolas Batum. You dismissed his performance thus far by saying that “…it’s only one preseason game …” and you were clearly annoyed by the fans ‘jumping on the bandwagon’ so quickly. You stated adamantly that Nicolas won’t play meaningful minutes this season.
The tone of this post seems pointedly negative as well " … The reality is we wouldn’t be talking about this at all if Martell wasn’t injured and even if Batum does get the nod it’s unlikely he’ll remain a starter for long once Martell returns …"
If Nicolas starts, it’s because the Blazers coaching staff knows more about Basketball than you or I or anyone else who posts to this site (with the possible exception of Mortimer, who just might be KP … )
I applaud Nate for trying to put together two rotations who best play together (as a team). I love the way that Nicolas plays the game, and I think he’s a good fit for the Black Unit. If Travis is with the White Unit again this year, then I think that’s fine, because it gives the Blazers good balance. I wish Martell a speedy recovery, and I’m sure that Nate will determine where Martell will be able to make the best contribition once he returns.
Phil
by Philski on Oct 17, 2008 8:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My concern
…and I’ll start this off (and save Anne the time) by saying #25…
Given how well Martell has played with Rudy in the preaseason (prior to injury), and given that I’m predicting that Rudy is rapidly going to become the focus of the White Unit offense (based upon both his talent and his extremely high BBIQ), I’m concerned about what this means for Trout. I love him as a player (warts and all), but I’m worried that if Batum really gels with the Black Unit, Travis might find himself as the odd-man out.
I may be reading too much into Batum’s play so far, and maybe incorrectly predicting that Marty won’t go back into the Black Unit immediately upon return (once he gets back up to speed), but I am still worried about it.
by DonkeyShins on Oct 17, 2008 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What I liked about the article
Was not so much about Batum starting, but hearing Roy’s insights. Amazing how much he thinks like a coach already. Thinking about language barriers, age difference, how teams will eventually adjust, etc… Wow!
"From Bill Walton to Brandon Roy, we wanna know it all
From Clyde Drexler to Greg Oden, from the basket to the ball
Every move they make is covered, somebody make the call
The shot clock's always running at Blazers Edge"
by blazermaniac32 on Oct 17, 2008 5:18 AM PDT reply actions 4 recs
You can't overrate Roy
Sergio has a knack for making passes that lead to layups and dunks, for both teams. - Ben G.
by jamon51 on Oct 17, 2008 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And +1 rec btw
Sergio has a knack for making passes that lead to layups and dunks, for both teams. - Ben G.
by jamon51 on Oct 17, 2008 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
1 from me 2
He who laughs last thinks slowest.
by prezofdeath on Oct 17, 2008 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It doesn’t sound like Roy is too thrilled about the prospect of moving to small forward himself and it doesn’t sound like Coach McMillan is overly eager to move Rudy in there either.
I don’t know I wouldn’t count it out, IMHO rudy/roy is still possible, but if we start rudy/roy it becomes harder to bring in both outlaw and batum at SF off of the bench.
we could start roy/batum then sub in rudy for batum with roy moving to the small forward, then bring in outlaw for roy, that way we limit the amount of time that roy is out of position…
by contemnor on Oct 17, 2008 5:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
More minutes for Rudy
That’s kind of the goal, isn’t it? Before Martell got hurt, we were talking about the difficulty of Rudy getting minutes because he plays Roy’s position, and the thinking was that Nate would either have to 1) slide Roy to PG, 2) play Rudy at PG or 3) slide Roy to SF so the two could play together. There are pros/cons for each of these options, with the cons mostly being relative to the fear of defensive mismatches.
What I find interesting about the concept of “keeping the black and white units intact” is the whole idea of a 10-man rotation. In the past, Nate has said he would like to whittle the rotation down to 8-9 players. The only way to do this is to play a 3 guards rotation most of the time, rotate big men at the 4-5 positions, or have “wings” play the 2-3 as matchups dictate.
Inserting Batum into the rotation and Roy saying things like … “I like what Sergio and Rudy do together … and that second unit has that identity, that’s their team. When they huddle up in practice, it’s like they say ‘You (starters) have your team; this is our team’.” … tells me Nate’s initial rotation will be 10 deep.
How this plays out over the course of the tough early season schedule remains to be seen.
by two4larue on Oct 17, 2008 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It HAS to be 10 deep
I don’t see any other way around it. Look at this lineup and then tell me who you don’t play:
PG: Blake/Rodriguez (swap Bayless in there if you want, but it doesn’t change anything)
SG: Roy/Fernandez
SF: Batum/Outlaw (swap Martell for Batum when he comes back)
PF: Aldridge/Frye (when Frye’s healthy)
C: Oden/Przybilla
Sergio has a knack for making passes that lead to layups and dunks, for both teams. - Ben G.
by jamon51 on Oct 17, 2008 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uhh, Batum?
At least, that was my answer on Monday
The next obvious choice would be Sergio (in lieu of a 3 guard rotation of Blake/Roy/Rudy)
by two4larue on Oct 17, 2008 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually Coach Nate talked about the White unit intact last year
before Greg went down. So perhaps he had expanded his vision beyond 8-9 by then.
When Coach Jack introduced the concept of wholesale 2nd team substitutions to Portland in 1976 many thought it infeasible. He had less talent than several teams he defeated in the playoffs but perhaps kept his players fresher to prevail.
when you’ve been in a dry land even a little dew looks inviting —Dave
"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn." - Tom Landry
by lee3022 on Oct 17, 2008 7:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rudy
Rudy seems like a natural all-rounder to me, a guy who will set up other people in a flash (1), yet also be open to drill the long ball (3), or slice inside (2).
What Nate chooses to do with the starting 3 spot should be tempered with how much time that starter really spends on the floor. I see Rudy being fast off the bench if Nic or Trout starts.
Rudyculize: The act of Rudy making others look slow, dim and generally oafish.
http://www.myspace.com/y5k
by Y5k on Oct 17, 2008 5:45 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
What I picked up most for the article?
That there are a lot of fans who think they understand the game more than they do.
I was reading the comments and couldn’t help but shake my head. Like the person who said that Rudy is a natural 3 but his body can’t take the pounding. Well, if he doesn’t physically match up at the position, then he’s not a natural.
Or the one worried that Fernandez and Outlaw won’t mesh. Based on what? I don’t know. Maybe it is because I haven’t been able to see them play yet, but I can’t get into all the instant analysis that goes on. I realize it’s part of what fans do and is particularly so on blogs like this. Even Dave fell prey to the temptation on the Batum story, which is not like him. I’m willing to sit back and just watch what happens.
That Batum might end up in the starting unit opening night is a great story. Why he’s there is not so important. That’s because the most likely reason – he’s the best fit – doesn’t resonate with people. It’s too simple. It has to get turned into “There’s something wrong with Outlaw” or “What is McMillan thinking, he should be starting Roy and Rudy”. Me, I’m just enjoying the fact that we have a 19 year old rookie who an experienced coach thinks is good enough to start for him. That’s exciting. The rest of it is just chatter and gossip.
hakkaa päälle !
by timg56 on Oct 17, 2008 7:05 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Thank you, this whole idea of natural 2s and 3s
is pretty ridiculous. Going through HS basketball and below, it’s pretty typical (not universal) to see teams divided into a PG, 2 wings and 2 posts. The fact is, each position can encompass such wildly differing game types that it’s absurd to think of someone as a “natural 3”, really. I mean, you can look at LeBron, Grant Hill (back in the day), Caron Butler, Paul Pierce, or Durant and I’d say almost anyone would argue that those guys are “natural 3s”. But at the same time, you can look at guys like Battier, Prince, Bowen, or Posey who would all be considered “natural 3s” as well, but their games are just incredibly different that any of the guys in the first group. Not to mention guys like Granger, Turkoglu, Pippen, Jackson, etc. Realistically, you could say the same thing about SGs and PFs due to the wide variety of types of players there.
My point is that saying someone’s game is a “Natural 3” can mean so many different things that it’s meaningless. The only thing those guys have in common is they’re all roughly the same size (except Durant who’s a beanpole). If Rudy has Lebron skills but Monta Ellis size, then that should be a good sign he isn’t a natural 3, just like the fact that Greg Anthony could D someone up and be physical didn’t make him a “Natural 3” in the Bowen mold.
As far as starting, it does look like we’re looking for someone more in the Battier/Bowen mold at the 3. If Batum starts, it’s simply because he fits that role best right now. It’s not an indictment of TO, just a reality. Just like SA started Finley last year because they wanted a stand still 3 point shooter alongside Duncan and Parker rather than waste Manu’s energy on the first unit. It’s really just all about fit.
by Royster on Oct 17, 2008 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's convenient
to slot people into positions, so people always will. And I don’t see that there’s really anything wrong with that. It helps you have a balanced attack with clearly defined roles. I never was a fan of the high school point/wing/post method…but maybe I’m just a traditionalist in that sense.
Sergio has a knack for making passes that lead to layups and dunks, for both teams. - Ben G.
by jamon51 on Oct 17, 2008 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Outlaw needs to prove he can start.
Mac understood from the outset how the first and second squads would set up, and why. Further, the small ball concept was always a strategic option, not one that would have been used as a substitute for a starting unit. After all, Roy is not an SF, and whereas he might do an adequate job on defense against SF’s, he’ll do a much better job against SG’s. Many SF’s, after all, will have 4 inches and longer arms – and a smaller player is not going to be able to prevent the better one’s from getting their shot.
The very fact that the Blazers are trying to see if Batum can start, tells us that Outlaw, it increasingly appears, is more of a combo forward whose skills are suited to the second unit because he can exploit mismatches and be more of a shooter. In a sense, Outlaw is something between an SF and a PF. This works well when taking advantage of mismatches, but he’ll never be a starting PF nor a starting SF. The starters at PF will be too big, and those at SF too quick.
However, if I were Outlaw, I’d worry some. After all, if Martel’s absence forces Batum, rather than Outlaw, to play in Martel’s place now, then downstream, you have to wonder what happens once Martel comes back.
Something will have to give. Eventually, someone is going to be #1, someone else #2, and the third player will be a minimum salary type sitting on the third team providing injury protection.
What this says to me is that if Outlaw wants to be a long term member of the Blazers, he better cement his status as the #2 SF, and that means not just being a “speciality” combo forward, but someone who can fill in for Martel. And if this proves that he can’t handle that job, then someone else will have to to it. At that point, Outlaw will have become a luxury, not a necessity.
by Eben Calder on Oct 17, 2008 7:26 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
agree and add
the Blazers have to let the players decide (with their play) who gets what position and roles that may need to be filled….Batum is a legit threat to the rotation and the starting spot, even if Webster comes back…..it may, very well be, (in the longer term) that the battle will be for the backup….
but it still needs to be played out to determine anything…after the first 2 months or so, it will be a lot clearer on how things will be. It looks like the first option is to try and play them at their more natural positions (makes sense), but playing a double wing offense might be an option (it’s about matching up with teams and defense is harder to match up against)…They could get minutes from Rudy and Roy at 3 …Again the players play, will help make this decision….. .the questions are there, but they will get answered soon enough……they have enough good players to get a pretty good lineup no matter what plays out ….and there will be some odd men out …..
but they don’t know who they are yet and fans will always speculate until then…..I have my preseason picks, but it is based on minimal observations for this year’s players… i know what i like to see in a players game, but again, its not what I like or would like to see…the coaches have the best advantage, they see them every day and have the one on one interaction…..They are coaches because they know the game, and know how to refine talent and organize them into a team…..along with the talented mind of KP, they will get us a good one…they already have….The great things about us fans and basketball enthusiasts is we get to second guess them without consequences
by 67 on Oct 17, 2008 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eben sometimes you are just so dang spot on.
I agree with you point for point. I also want to add I’m starting to see exactly what Roy talked about, a smothering defensive half court unit in our starting unit and an absolutely electric second unit. It’s almost like you are combining the Spurs with the Suns. Or taking the Spurs second unit with Ginobli to a whole new level. In a sense we are mimicking the Spurs and expanding their philosophy. First unit half court devastation, second unit run and gun.
After seeing Martell and Rudy together I see the following two line ups down the road:
Starters:
PG: Blake (Bayles with time)
SG: Roy
SF: Batum (Devastating defense (I done seen him live!), all around hustle he gets everywhere, passing and hopefully a reliable jumper. Surely that can be developed. I think this kid is going to be something special for this team)
PF: Aldridge
C: Oden
Finishers (or Coup De Grace per Almart above)
PG: Sergio
SG: Rudy
SF: Martell (a second deadly threat from outside and fast break finisher)
PF: Frye (medium to long range threat)
C: Pryzbilla with the outlet to Sergio/Rudy
That leaves Outlaw and for now Bayless on the outside looking in. I still think Bayless will be amazing right when Blake starts to slow down and is worth keeping around. I love Outlaw but you have to wonder. He has to be more dynamic on offense and vastly more tenacious on his man to man D. Otherwise, he might be the odd man out.
He's Coming! Oden Slayer of Giants
by Idog1976 on Oct 17, 2008 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dear lord
how deep is our Team? Outlaw and Bayless on the outside looking in? Is that even LEGAL?? KP must haunt the nightmares of every GM in the league!
He's Coming! Oden Slayer of Giants
by Idog1976 on Oct 17, 2008 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Batum as well as anyone else, but
with this line-up, I’m a little worried about having enough offensive fire-power. I’m thinking that we only have two scorers to go to in LA and Roy leaving defenses free to focus mostly on them. But these fears will be alleviated if Oden is proficient enough to get his share of attention on defense. I’m wondering if opposing teams with bigger centers will find it necessary to double him. I also wonder how long Oden will be able to stay on the floor because of fouls.
With the line-up being discussed in this thread, I think Oden is the X-factor determining how well it will work. However, I could be overlooking Blake’s ability to score, and if Batum can hit the open shots, then there may little concern.
by TwoDeep on Oct 17, 2008 7:59 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I see your point but ...
With Blake on the court we have a guy who hit for 40% from the 3 point line, and he should be pretty adept at making the post entry pass to Oden … Greg’s just going to have to learn to setup 3-5 feet away from the basket and instantly explode to the hoop when Blake hits him.
The real concern is that defenses are going to try and make it so they force Nicolas to beat them, but he’s shown he’s himself already to be a good passer, and it’s not like they can double team everyone else.
Ball movement and the extra pass are going to be more important than ever.
by nikolokolus on Oct 17, 2008 9:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nic is the new Joel
There’s no doubt that opposing teams will leave Batum open and make him prove that he can hit the open shot. The other starters will be playing 4 on 5 (like with Prz in year’s past) if Nic hesitates or can’t knock down these shots.
If this is the case, Rudy will be coming in off the bench in a hurry
by two4larue on Oct 17, 2008 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I feel confident Batum
will knock down jumpers. It might take him a few games but he has a nice shot if ugly looking. With time I’m certain he can become a decent shooter. He can always go to the second unit when Martell gets back. I think Batum as he reaches his potential (Something in the mold of Tayshaun but different in a few years) is a flawless fit. Lets get the guy some seasoning while Martell is out it will accelerate his learning curve and will preserve Roy and Rudy by playing their natural position instead of having to deal with bigger stronger SF’s. I don’t know about you guys but I want our team HEALTHY.
He's Coming! Oden Slayer of Giants
by Idog1976 on Oct 17, 2008 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blake + Oden + Post Entry Pass
Will become the bread & butter of the Black Unit. Blake is a proven expert at the post entry pass and provided Oden can convert (and I have all confidence that he can), they’ll be making opposing teams pay on a regular basis.
by DonkeyShins on Oct 17, 2008 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blake/Roy +Oden/Aldridge+Post Entry Pass
when you’ve been in a dry land even a little dew looks inviting —Dave
"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn." - Tom Landry
by lee3022 on Oct 17, 2008 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well...
If you are going to get technical…
(Blake + Oden + Post Entry Pass) x (Roy + Aldridge + Inside Outside Game) + Batum = Pain for Opposing Teams
by DonkeyShins on Oct 17, 2008 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'm not worried
last year lma or roy always got doubled since pryz was not an offensive threat. hell he couldnt even catch an entry pass. even if oden is not an offensive juggernaut, i’m sure he has better hands than pryz and will convert the passes he gets inside for dunks that pryz did not. oden will usually have a man on him unlike pryz. if blake can shoot as well as he did last year, teams will have a hard time with us. hell lma was so dominant in games last year that he commanded double teams at many points in the season. blake and our sf will just have to hit the open shot.
by Philthyanimal on Oct 18, 2008 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sergei Monya once started at small forward for us
by tweener on Oct 17, 2008 8:06 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
i try to block those days from memory
He who laughs last thinks slowest.
by prezofdeath on Oct 17, 2008 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was just evil
"Why would we lie to ourselves dude?"
"Be excellent to each other."
"All we are is dust in the wind, dude."
"Strange things are afoot at the Circle K."
The Wisdom of Bill S Preston Esquire and Ted Theodore Logan
by GreatOden'sRaven on Oct 17, 2008 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't fight the logic.... embrace it!
Batum is currently the best SF available to play with OUR first unit.
Sure he is going to have ROOKIE lapses during game time,
but the needed confidence and skill-set is being demonstrated.
Roy has obviously seen the things Batum brings to that unit and
LIKES it.
Suspend the thought that he is 19; focus on the little thing Batum is
doing to make the players around him better….. and enjoy.
by spencerbutte on Oct 17, 2008 8:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Alternatives Bound
I agree with with Eben Calder and disagree with Dave’s “take away” point.
Batum is the big surprise so far of the preseason. Webster’s injury was a necessary condition for his ascent to starter, but not a sufficient one. Batum seems to be something of a prodigy. A number of people, including Dave if I remember right, have been skeptical of Nic because because of his youth. But “youth” is not ipso facto a problem. “Youth” is actually short hand for a group of deficiencies seen as attaching to it. What we mean when we say someone is too “young” to start is that he lacks the court vision of an older player, and/or familiarity with the plays and game situations, and/or the poise, and/or the physical strength, and/or stamina, and/or any of the other qualities that we associate with an older, experienced player. It is really the underdevelopment of these desirable qualities, not the age of the player that is significant. I think “maturity” is really a better word to encapsulate this bundle good qualities. But some players never do fully develop them, despite their age. And, on rare occasion, a preternaturally mature player comes along. Like Brandon Roy. Nicolas Batum may be another.
Yesterday on 95.5 McMillan said that Batum was already a better than average defender in the NBA! From someone with such demanding defensive standards, this is exceptional praise. And without even acknowledging Batum, Steve Aschburner of Sports Illustrated writes that one of the problems the Blazers may have this season is that they have too much talent: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/steve_aschburner/10/16/blazers.preview/index.html
What the emergence of Nicolas Batum means is that the Blazers have even more viable alternatives, not fewer.
And that’s the truth.
by Trutherlizer on Oct 17, 2008 8:19 AM PDT reply actions 4 recs
Ipso Facto!
That needs to be someone on this team’s nickname! Or at least become a replacement for “Boom Shacka Lacka!!!”
“Batum for three … IPSO FACTO!!!”
Nice work, Trutherlizer!
by lama on Oct 17, 2008 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Batum's nickname?
“Ocho-Ocho” (Chad Johnson ref)
by two4larue on Oct 17, 2008 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nic "Ocho-Ocho Boom-Boom" Batum
Rudyculize: The act of Rudy making others look slow, dim and generally oafish.
http://www.myspace.com/y5k
by Y5k on Oct 17, 2008 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Talk through your pinched nose and say: Nicolous "Huit-Huit Boom-Boom" Batum, then gu;p some white wine a make a disgused face like it was the wrong year to fit the cheese.
Rudyculize: The act of Rudy making others look slow, dim and generally oafish.
http://www.myspace.com/y5k
by Y5k on Oct 17, 2008 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Faulty memory really
If you read back through the Summer League stuff, for instance, you will find a whole pile of people saying, “Batum is a bust” and that he looked horrible and was a complete waste of space and a draft pick both. My general take on him was that he was a decent defender who actually got himself open but needed more confidence in his game, especially his shot. Mentioning his youth was in the context of not writing him off before he had a chance.
The same does apply to not comparing him to Brandon Roy—who was as developed of a rookie as we’ve seen around the league for a long time—based on a good week in the pre-season. But that’s not anything wrong with Nicolas, that’s expectations.
—Dave
by Dave on Oct 17, 2008 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Remember, Brandon Roy
was a 4 year college player, older even than Outlaw. So his maturity is not unprecedented.
Sergio has a knack for making passes that lead to layups and dunks, for both teams. - Ben G.
by jamon51 on Oct 17, 2008 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But Nic has played professionally for at least two years
Found this in the April 2007 Draft Express archive:
Ndiyae told DraftExpress that Batum wants to have an "impact in Pro A [French first division] first" before leaving for the NBA. He wants to spend another season in the Euroleague as well, and is not interested in potentially sitting on the bench in the NBA next season. This is a "personal preference" for Batum, who says that he is "not afraid" of the scrutiny he will face next season as the top International prospect in the draft. He knows that he would be a lottery pick this year, but thinks that he has a chance to compete for the #1 overall spot in the draft after next season.
Nobody argued that Greg should not be ready to start last year and here is Batum thinking he has a shot at #1 from a year ago. He did spend another year in Pro A and Euroleague and played very well. When Draft Express cites his upside as Rudy Gay he looks better and better.
when you’ve been in a dry land even a little dew looks inviting —Dave
"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn." - Tom Landry
by lee3022 on Oct 17, 2008 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Based on more than just a good preseason week
Of course it is too early to reach firm conclusions about Batum. But the evidence that his recent performance is more than anomaly can be found in McMillan’s recent comments and practice decisions and also in the assessment of Jason Quick and Brandon Roy. McMillan praised Batum’s defense as already better than the NBA norm and has put him on the black team for three (four?) straight practices. Quick has written that it is more than possible that Batum will start in the next two preseason games and, if he continues his steady play, is likely to start against the L*kers (#@!!%!). None other than Brandon Roy said he thought Batum might be a good fit on the starting unit, at least during the early part of the season. Yes, the pressure of starting may overwhelm the young man. But so far, his is the extraordinary story of the prenatal season. The great thing is that actual performance, not our theorizing, will decide.
And by the way, I was also one who dismissed Batum after summer league as over-hyped and decidedly not ready for prime time. I thought he might struggle even in the D League. Wow, was I ever wrong!
And that’s the truth.
by Trutherlizer on Oct 17, 2008 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wasn't Ime Udoka a rookie?
An old one, maybe; but still a rookie.
Defense, rebounding, scrappiness and an occasional outside shot, appears to be what is called for from the 3 on this Blazer’s starting unit. Other than scrappiness, these do not appear to be Travis’s forte. Martell was growing well into this mold. Glad that Batum can fill in.
Brandan Wright is 6.10, 205; and Travis is 6.9, 207; Yet it appeared that Brandan easily and repeatedly scored on Travis in the pre-season game against Golden State. After 5 years in the league, shouldn’t Travis show better defense? Can he still be a lock-down defender?
by FromAfar on Oct 17, 2008 9:01 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Outlaw is long stepper.
I posted this several times, but . . .
A. Quickness – Ability to move feet quickly. Short quick
lateral quickness in moving the feet. On offense, the
ability to gain a step, often using a dribble move or
upper body shake to get a defender slightly off balance
then getting a shoulder or hip by the defender. In the
case of a defender the ability to read those moves and
beat the dribbler to the spot with quick feet.
B. Travis Outlaw is a long stepper. He runs and moves with
long strides, which cover a lot of ground but lack quickness.
This puts him behind where a quick slashing player can
beat him regularily, but occasionally he can recover to get
a deflection or block because of his long strides catching up
and superior leaping ability.
C. It is very hard to teach quick feet. In most cases, it’s the mind
to feet connection that is slower, in addition to lack of fast twitch
muscle response. Travis will never be a quick defender in my
opinion, but could be adequate against second unit players or
as a weak side/ zone defender. I’ts one of the reasons he rarely
takes it to the hoop and settles for the jumper.
It's GO time !
by walkoff41 on Oct 17, 2008 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Gut reaction
As mentioned before, we have been in need of consistency from the SF position since Pippen left. Ime Udoka got his break because he played consistently average-to-above-average on both offense and defense. It seems to me that the staff has determined that plugging Travis in as the sixth-man/second unit scorer gives him a role in which he has proven he can thrive. Taking him out of that role and asking him to be a third/fourth offensive option and tough defender doesn’t seem to work.
I am very hopeful about Batum. The other big Blazer fan in my office has decided he is the second coming of Pippen. While I think that is crazy talk, I’ve seen this organization start a journeyman 3 in front of Martell and Travis before and was pleasantly surprised (actually – overjoyed. I love Ime’s game). I’m glad this team is in Kevin and Nate’s hands.
I just previewed my post and then saw FromAfar’s Udoka comment – I agree!
by lama on Oct 17, 2008 9:15 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Sophia loves Batum, and the parking police
This is an interesting development in my young teams progress. Hopefully this handsome (I hate to say it) young man can handle the pressure that comes from being a starter, and having women swoon over you. (I’m handling it pretty well too)
# 10 Top Charles Barkley Quote: On the Portland Trail Blazers (back when they were known as the Jail Blazers) serving Thanksgiving meals: "In between arrests they do community service."
by BlazermaniacAndy on Oct 17, 2008 9:18 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
BlazerFan1
Rudyculize: The act of Rudy making others look slow, dim and generally oafish.
http://www.myspace.com/y5k
by Y5k on Oct 17, 2008 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The hot one most BlazersEdgers have a secret crush on who is probably in reality tominhawaii or jscot posting under an assumed identity.
(See below)
Rudyculize: The act of Rudy making others look slow, dim and generally oafish.
http://www.myspace.com/y5k
by Y5k on Oct 17, 2008 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wrong
I’m Sophia posting under an assumed identity.
The most amazing thing about my amazing ego is I have amazingly little about which to be egotistical.
The pick and roll this year will emphasize "roll" followed by "dunk", followed by the wailings and lamentations of your women.
by jscot on Oct 17, 2008 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s a riddle wrapped in a conundrum.
Rudyculize: The act of Rudy making others look slow, dim and generally oafish.
http://www.myspace.com/y5k
by Y5k on Oct 17, 2008 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey!
This is a family blog!
Oh, wait, you said conundrum. Sorry about that. Carry on.
The most amazing thing about my amazing ego is I have amazingly little about which to be egotistical.
The pick and roll this year will emphasize "roll" followed by "dunk", followed by the wailings and lamentations of your women.
by jscot on Oct 17, 2008 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
uh huh.
Riiiggghhhttt…
Sophia
"Feminism encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcreaft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians. [speech at GOP Presidential Convention 1992] Rev. Pat Robertson
by BlazerFan1 on Oct 17, 2008 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
were you saying uhhh huhhh....riiiight
about being tominhawaii or about all of BlazersEdge having a crush on you?
He who laughs last thinks slowest.
by prezofdeath on Oct 17, 2008 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
or denying you are secretly jscot.
Rudyculize: The act of Rudy making others look slow, dim and generally oafish.
http://www.myspace.com/y5k
by Y5k on Oct 17, 2008 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was trying to respond to jscot
Sophia
PS not all bedgers think im hot
"Feminism encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcreaft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians. [speech at GOP Presidential Convention 1992] Rev. Pat Robertson
by BlazerFan1 on Oct 17, 2008 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
link?
He who laughs last thinks slowest.
by prezofdeath on Oct 17, 2008 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
link what?
"Feminism encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcreaft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians. [speech at GOP Presidential Convention 1992] Rev. Pat Robertson
by BlazerFan1 on Oct 17, 2008 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol link to prove that not everyone thinks ur hot
but obviously contemnor proved it. If dave really thought you were hot he would have said sophia = 10, not sophia < 3
He who laughs last thinks slowest.
by prezofdeath on Oct 17, 2008 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe she doesn't do hot links?
like this guy.
when you’ve been in a dry land even a little dew looks inviting —Dave
"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn." - Tom Landry
by lee3022 on Oct 17, 2008 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
here Dave thinks she’s less than a 3?
by contemnor on Oct 17, 2008 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
it is not a "less than" symbol
that actually means “heart”
you guys are obviously old
"Feminism encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcreaft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians. [speech at GOP Presidential Convention 1992] Rev. Pat Robertson
by BlazerFan1 on Oct 17, 2008 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think they are just teasing you...
you need that gmail feature where it becomes animated.
you better talk to nic soon before you have to start hurting the gold diggers that see he is a starter..
can you throw a heel with any accuracy?
"Why would we lie to ourselves dude?"
"Be excellent to each other."
"All we are is dust in the wind, dude."
"Strange things are afoot at the Circle K."
The Wisdom of Bill S Preston Esquire and Ted Theodore Logan
by GreatOden'sRaven on Oct 17, 2008 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
if I say
“you guys are obviously old” that means im teasing too
I will seriously be suprised if he starts.
sophia
"Feminism encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcreaft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians. [speech at GOP Presidential Convention 1992] Rev. Pat Robertson
by BlazerFan1 on Oct 17, 2008 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd
be quite startled if he started, but I think it’d be fun.
(Have Batum play the first 10-12 minutes, then hit LA with a Trout attack that is so heavy … so heavy. Then, you give ’em a Rudy/Roy/Sergio/LMA Greg bomb. Sergio brings it up to Roy.)
Rudyculize: The act of Rudy making others look slow, dim and generally oafish.
http://www.myspace.com/y5k
by Y5k on Oct 17, 2008 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not in my case
If you say “you guys are obviously old” to me it doesn’t mean you are teasing, it means you are telling the truth.
The most amazing thing about my amazing ego is I have amazingly little about which to be egotistical.
The pick and roll this year will emphasize "roll" followed by "dunk", followed by the wailings and lamentations of your women.
by jscot on Oct 18, 2008 5:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the clarification
I leave the texting to my teenage sons
by two4larue on Oct 17, 2008 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Less than a three. Ahahaha.
Wow, that was funny. Is that on the Bo Derek scale?
Odenied: If you're given lemmings—make lemming-ade (Bow4Meow)
by Norsktroll on Oct 18, 2008 2:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wrong
She’s less than three J Quicks. I’m presuming he was talking about weight.
The most amazing thing about my amazing ego is I have amazingly little about which to be egotistical.
The pick and roll this year will emphasize "roll" followed by "dunk", followed by the wailings and lamentations of your women.
by jscot on Oct 18, 2008 5:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
All bedgers do think
she’s hot.
Because I said so.
Sophia
The most amazing thing about my amazing ego is I have amazingly little about which to be egotistical.
The pick and roll this year will emphasize "roll" followed by "dunk", followed by the wailings and lamentations of your women.
by jscot on Oct 18, 2008 5:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oops
Scratch that signature on that last post. I’m getting my identities confused.
The most amazing thing about my amazing ego is I have amazingly little about which to be egotistical.
The pick and roll this year will emphasize "roll" followed by "dunk", followed by the wailings and lamentations of your women.
by jscot on Oct 18, 2008 5:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does this mean I have a secret crush on ... jscot?!?!
Rudyculize: The act of Rudy making others look slow, dim and generally oafish.
http://www.myspace.com/y5k
by Y5k on Oct 18, 2008 5:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's enough
to generate sleepless nights, isn’t it?
The most amazing thing about my amazing ego is I have amazingly little about which to be egotistical.
The pick and roll this year will emphasize "roll" followed by "dunk", followed by the wailings and lamentations of your women.
by jscot on Oct 18, 2008 9:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
well it's clear that J-Quick s ME!
I think Brandon’s endorsements are very powerfull. I thought Batum did an excellent job against Utah and hopefully all this attention doesnt break his confidence or put too much pressure on the kid.
Sophia
PS Dave, you are such a trouble maker I <3 u :)
"Feminism encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcreaft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians. [speech at GOP Presidential Convention 1992] Rev. Pat Robertson
by BlazerFan1 on Oct 17, 2008 10:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Bayless (19), playing the hardest position to learn, could have more playing time than Rudy (23, best european player, 5 years profesional, able to play all guard positions) in someones´ opinion and now Nic is too much green. HHUMMMM...
Sergio + Rudy = 16
Sergio + Bayless = 16
Batum 8+8=16
by amlmart1 on Oct 17, 2008 10:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The only way
Bayless is going to see more playing time than Rudy is if he gets hurt or the law catchs up with him.
by southern oregon on Oct 17, 2008 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I forgot to mention also the "Bye-bye Sergio" wave... If I would be paranoid I might think about europhobia ;-)
Sergio + Rudy = 16
Sergio + Bayless = 16
Batum 8+8=16
by amlmart1 on Oct 17, 2008 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Sergio's hard work in the offseason
Plus his preternatural ability to find Rudy for the bucket, have given him a new lease on life in the Blazers’ lineup. I think that Bayless will probably be the odd-man out rotation-wise for the 2008-9 season.
by DonkeyShins on Oct 17, 2008 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How do you say...
“I toldja so” in Francias?
This is why we love sports. A Latin American baseball player once said he could sum up his sport in one word:
“youneverknow”
As much as we’d all like to read Nate’s mind and project player performances during the offseason, there’s always “mitigatiing factors” that make even the best prognosticators sound like blithering idiots a few weeks later.
Webster’s injury and Batum’s versatility are an example of this
by two4larue on Oct 17, 2008 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Je te l'ai dit"
Sergio + Rudy = 16
Sergio + Bayless = 16
Batum 8+8=16
by amlmart1 on Oct 17, 2008 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Never cease to amaze, do you amlmart1
Rudyculize: The act of Rudy making others look slow, dim and generally oafish.
http://www.myspace.com/y5k
by Y5k on Oct 17, 2008 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
French was my Dad's first language
And that rings a bell
by southern oregon on Oct 17, 2008 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Google Translate turns it into the strange "I said"
http://translate.google.com/translate_t#fr|en|22Je20te20l27ai20dit22
by royroty on Oct 17, 2008 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not strange - "I told you so" is "I said" with attitude
when you’ve been in a dry land even a little dew looks inviting —Dave
"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn." - Tom Landry
by lee3022 on Oct 18, 2008 12:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do the French
always have attitude?
The most amazing thing about my amazing ego is I have amazingly little about which to be egotistical.
The pick and roll this year will emphasize "roll" followed by "dunk", followed by the wailings and lamentations of your women.
by jscot on Oct 18, 2008 5:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A Latin American baseball player once said he could sum up his sport in one word:
"youneverknow"
An American baseball player once said he could sum up his sport in one word:
bothteamsplayedhard
He who laughs last thinks slowest.
by prezofdeath on Oct 17, 2008 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A Latin American baseball player once said he could sum up his sport in one word:
“youneverknow”
An American baseball basketball player once said he could sum up his sport in one word:
bothteamsplayedhard
He who laughs last thinks slowest.
by prezofdeath on Oct 17, 2008 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's good to see you fired up amlmart.
I’m right there beside you with these thoughts.
by TwoDeep on Oct 17, 2008 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This reminds me of a couple of other sports
Let’s say a manager in baseball has a batting order and his players are “comfortable” batting leadoff, cleanup, etc. Then a player gets hurt. Rather than shuffling the batting order he inserts the reserve into the “slot” of the batting order where the injured player was hitting.
Second analogy, offensive line in football. Those 5 “uglies” are a seperate “team” within the offense. If one of them goes down, the “reserve” lineman takes his spot, whether it be a guard or tackle. You wouldn’t move the left guard over to replace the right tackle, etc. That would break up the unit’s continuity
How many times have we seen starting lineups in basketball where a less-productive offensive player starts, only to be replaced by a “better” player 5-7 minutes into a game? Players like AC Green and Kurt Rambis made a career out of doing this. Evidentally Nate wants to keep the black and white units “intact” and starting Batum allows him to do this
by two4larue on Oct 17, 2008 10:11 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
We (myself included) had forgotten that Nic is no bloody rookie either
If you had asked me after the draft who would be likely to spend the most time in Idaho out of our rookies (if he even makes the roster), I would have said Batum, hands down. Though of course any playing time he will get during the start of the season comes mostly at the expense of Martell’s injury, I should have known better. Yes, he is still “awful young” to quote our head coach. And he does not have the large experience at the highest international level like Rudy. But he does have more than your average first or second year college player.
The French league is not amazing compared to other European leagues, but not shabby either, and most NCAA teams would be hard pressed to edge out a win. He won MVP honors in prestigious European junior level tournaments, including the U18 Championship and the Albert Schweitzer Tournament (players previously starring here included Nowitzki, Duncan, Magic, Tony Parker, Toni Kukoc). He played professionally for LeMans since he was 16, winning the national championship in 2006. His team was qualified for the EuroLeague, featuring 24 teams that are far ahead of the college level, so he already faced a number of top players in the last season(s), including budding European stars like Gallinari, Caspi and much more senior players from the US and Europe. His team didn’t play well, but he impressed, with his best game against powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv when he scored 24 points (7/7 FGs, 3/3 from three, 1/1 FT) and added four assists and rebounds. He held his own at the Nike Hoops Summit 2007 against the likes of Rose, Bayless, Beasley, Love with some spectacular dunks, outside shots and defensive plays.
So while he is closer to his goal of becoming a solid NBA player than expected, it shouldn’t come as a total surprise.
Odenied: If you're given lemmings—make lemming-ade (Bow4Meow)
by Norsktroll on Oct 17, 2008 11:59 AM PDT reply actions 5 recs
If you had asked me after the draft who would be likely to spend the most time in Idaho
This made me wonder…assuming Blake/Sergio stay healthy and gobble up all the guard minutes…will Bayless follow Taurean Green to the D league this winter?
(that’s the sound of notches slipping you hear, rook)
by two4larue on Oct 17, 2008 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Batum's development has been surprising, but I don't know about this
I’m not excited at the prospect of our offense being reduced to a steady diet of mid-range jumpers from Batum.
by JMoon on Oct 17, 2008 12:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
As opposed to a steady diet of mid-range jumpers from Outlaw?
Batum brings solid defense and rebounding to the table (Quick has compared him to AC Green in his rebounding savvy) and has proven he can take the ball to the hole as well.
Travis is a better natural fit with the run & gun style of the White Unit (those long strides can get him down the court in a hurry to pick up the quick ally-oop) and he prospers as one of the primary offensive options of the White Unit. Batum just appears to be a better fit for the Black Unit and will do a better job filling in until Martell returns.
by DonkeyShins on Oct 17, 2008 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree about Batum's defense and rebounding
I’ve been very impressed with his effort there, but yeah, I’d rather see Travis shooting than him. I’d also rather see Rudy get the time. Unfortunate that Roy seems so averse to playing a little 3 on defense.
by JMoon on Oct 17, 2008 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather not see Roy playing the three
1. Because he’s a 2 (or even a combo, albeit a big combo)
2. Because playing the 3 will cause more wear and tear than the 2. He can run over smaller twos but he’s going to be run over at the three.
I think Rudy will be getting his 20+ minutes this season. Don’t worry! :-)
by DonkeyShins on Oct 17, 2008 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like he got run over
by Joe Johnson, last week in KC?
Brandon’s a big boy, he can handle most 3s. And the ones he can’t handle, Channing Frye can
by two4larue on Oct 17, 2008 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um,
one of the points of the article was that Batum would not have to provide the offense. You’ve already got your offensive players in the starting unit and that is why Travis doesn’t fit so well in that role.
Word.
by joelor on Oct 17, 2008 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um,
I hope your right and opposing teams cooperate by not using Batum’s defender to double on whoever else has the ball.
by JMoon on Oct 17, 2008 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's kind of hard to double three people at once.
Batum’s apparent passing ability and to play within the flow of the game is going to make it very hard for people to get away with double teaming any of the big three.
by ppilot on Oct 17, 2008 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus, as Brandon said in the article,
all he has to do is hit the open jumpshot.
Word.
by joelor on Oct 17, 2008 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Starting lineups needs.....
If Batum can come in and provide shut-down perimeter “d”, hit the offensive boards, and hit enough open 15’ jumpers to keep other teams honest, then he would be a perfect fit for the starting five. Oden, Roy, LMA will all expect (and deserve) touches offensively, and Batum won’t take anything away from them. Remember how important a Jerome Kersey was for the Blazers. When he entered the league, he was a LOT less polished than Batum.
Beside, you don’t think Nate would LOVE to coach an athletic, slick-passing forward who can shut down other teams shooters, rebound and doesn’t take a lot of shots?
I love Martell, but I worry how cool he will be with being possibly the fourth option in the offense. Martell needs to bring alot more than scoring to the starting lineup to be really effective. If Batum thrives in the starting five, don’t expect him to go anywhere soon.
When in doubt, veer left....
by philly420pdxhilo on Oct 17, 2008 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes indeed
A Player like Batum is more rare than the Outlaws and even the Websters in this league….and Rudy is accomplished as well….2 really good fitting players that should take playing time away from Outlaw and Webster …..And if they can’t be cool about there role (Web & Outlaw), then the only thing to do is play harder and better…You ask me, Batum and Rudy have the inside track ….their team play and BBIQ gives them an edge (a big edge)
by 67 on Oct 17, 2008 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Batum may be the perfect fit. The comparison with Kersey is apt. In general, shooting tends to be less reliable than defense, passing and rebounding. Maybe this is because shooting depends more on fine motor skills that, if slightly out of sync, results in a mediocre results. Passing, rebounding and defense are not so dependent on finely calibrated skills, tend to be consistent game after game. They have more to do with effort, alertness, knowledge. You always knew with Jerome that you’d get hustle resulting in rebounds, steals and good defense, even when his shot was off. Batum may be this kind of player. Outlaw, most unlikely, and even Webster, probably, cannot. This makes Batum intriguing, but also disrupting. It seems he more likely to start instead of Outlaw. If he proves to be as versatile as SF as the preseason suggests, he may could make it difficult for Webster to reclaim his position.
And that’s the truth.
by Trutherlizer on Oct 17, 2008 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Batum
I dont find this news all that surprising. I truly don’t. I think last year Nate REALLY missed the ability of Ime to take the pressure off brandon on the defensive end. I know that Brandon had a good year last year, all star team and all, but his growth was stunted by having to focus on the best offensive player on the other team. In his rookie year, Ime gave brandon carte blanche to roam on defense and play the lesser skilled of the 2/3 and focus on the offensive end. When Nate got batum and saw what he would be able to do on defense he started thinking Ime. Ime also wasnt a great shooter, but he found a SPOT on the floor (something Martell will do when he gets back) and jacked up shots he could make. I do NOT think Batums shot is as good as Ime, but as the team starts to find a rhythm (LA will likely choose one block over the over on a consistent basis) and Nic will start to find an area on the floor that he generally will be located, he can practice that shot many times.
Personally in the long run this year, I believe Martell is the best fit for the starting squad. Come next season, I think it may be Batum, depending on Greg’s progression and whether or not Blake and Bayless improve on 3ptrs. Sadly I really think Trout is the odd man out. I think he has truly reached his potential and as much as I love him as a person, I think he gets packaged and shipped somewhere.
I feel like Batum is some English and 250 made jumpers a day away from becoming Jamario Moon.
"Why would we lie to ourselves dude?"
"Be excellent to each other."
"All we are is dust in the wind, dude."
"Strange things are afoot at the Circle K."
The Wisdom of Bill S Preston Esquire and Ted Theodore Logan
by GreatOden'sRaven on Oct 17, 2008 3:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Comparison to Moon?
Moon is a late bloomer (28 years old) and doesn’t have Batum’s passing ability.
by spencerbutte on Oct 17, 2008 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Outlaw will develope in a slightly different player with Sergio and Rudy in the second unit.
Probably he will be able to play off of the ball.
Sergio + Rudy = 16
Sergio + Bayless = 16
Batum 8+8=16
by amlmart1 on Oct 17, 2008 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps but his lack of team play is troubling so far
We have weapons now on the White team and will need passing skills to find the best shot. If Outlaw will play that way, he will develop and I shall be glad. If not he is ripe for February or Draft day because Webster and Batum both appear better on defense and more in the flow on offense. If he and Rudy both find ways to slip to the basket Sergio can find them for lobs that will make the fans dizzy with the highlights
when you’ve been in a dry land even a little dew looks inviting —Dave
"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn." - Tom Landry
by lee3022 on Oct 18, 2008 12:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow post title threw me off. I read the article and was thinking WTF is this suppose to be about
a fan or something?
by BRoyInThe4th on Oct 17, 2008 5:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I cling to two stereotypes like a Timbo to his guns and his bible.
Rookies are are more hype than show.
The French are soft.
Blazers Edge has an alarmist vision and a poet's heart.
by tominhawaii on Oct 17, 2008 7:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Not all rookies and not all French
Fortunately, the actual game is not played played between stereotypes, such as those about rookies and the French, but between flesh and blood players with individual strengths and weaknesses. So far in preseason, Batum has played neither like a “rookie” nor has he played “soft.” In an interview yesterday on 95.5, The Fan, no less than Nate McMillan, a defensive taskmaster, said that Batum’s defense is already above the NBA average! This assessment contradicts the notion that Batum is soft.
And that’s the truth.
by Trutherlizer on Oct 17, 2008 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tom
Squid joke for you as told to me by a tincan Aussie guy in Olongapo,French[war] ships are like French women,fast,good looking and poorly maned.
by southern oregon on Oct 17, 2008 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Best Case Scenario for Batum
Luol Deng? Batum reminds me of Deng, but he doesn’t have the excellent midrange shot yet and I guess that is sort of a big difference.
by tweener on Oct 17, 2008 10:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Rush to Judgement
Batum’’s looked surprisingly good and he’s not done maturing. It’ll be some yet until we really know what we’ve got.
by Trutherlizer on Oct 17, 2008 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Coach Nate loves him some defenders
Coach D’Antoni would love the reverse. With the Olympic team seemingly with one voice crediting their defense as the reason for the gold Coach Nate wins the separation going away.
Draft Express has been following Nic for years and believe is the athlete that Rudy Gay is with an even greater wingspan. They also note an unusual feel for the game that sets Nic apart.
So the surprise is that Nic has progressed so quickly and that surprise is in the fans and not in the players. They have been playing daily with him since Summer League. Perhaps it is also no surprise to KP since he maneuvered his chips to snatch Nic and then announced he is signing him before Summer League.
This team is talked about now for its offensive weapons but I believe the pieces are in place to be near the top if not the top defense in the NBA this year. In a few more years it could become the best ever! That will win us championships.
when you’ve been in a dry land even a little dew looks inviting —Dave
"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn." - Tom Landry
by lee3022 on Oct 18, 2008 12:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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