Do Not Start Batum Against Lakers Tomorrow

There's been alot of debate recently on who will start at small forward in the absence of Martell Webster. There have been alot of propositions such as starting Outlaw, starting Rudy, putting Roy at small forward and starting Rudy at shooting guard, and starting Batum. The dilemma does not seem to be solved as of yet.

However, what the Blazers and Coach McMillian are crucially missing is the fact that the Blazers have the option to play whatever style they like and do not have to conform to other teams lineups. This year, we are in control of the pace and it should be our duty to exploit the necessary match-ups. Our bench from top to bottom is as deeper than most teams and we should be the pace setters in determining how the opponents play. In short, we should be able to dictate the play and flow of the game without contorting to conforming to other teams play and flow.  There is no more of changing to smaller, quicker lineups just because an opposing team has a quicker team on the floor. We can play big or small, slow or fast, and it should be our mentality to attack the opponent and let them adjust to us and not us adjust to them.

I believe this is an important psychological advantage that is implicit but necessary for winning teams to have. Looking at championship caliber teams, such as the Spurs, they have always played their own style of basketball making opponents change their strategy in accordance to their style of play. Teams have always adjusted to them. It's psychologically effective for a team to have other teams adjust to them as it gives a sense of control and stability to the game. Players need to feel the control they have in the game and be able to adjust accordingly.

So what does this have to do with tomorrow night's game? Well, the debate on who should start at small forward seems to be raging on and it seems our focus is who is best suited for the first unit. However, our mentality should be instead, "how can we exploit the opponents (the Lakers) defense and maximize our potential?" In other words, why not let them adjust to us?

The Lakers have a starting unit of Bynum, Gasol, Radmanovic, Kobe, and Fisher. Were Batum to start he would inevitably be matched with Radmanovic. Radmanovic is listed at a height of 6'10. Batum is 6'8. Batum also gives up 40 lbs to Radmanovic. Although Batum's length and athelticism could play a factor in defending Radmanovic, on offense, he seems a little spotty and inconsistent.

In order to stretch the defense of the Lakers, it would make sense for McMillan to start Channing Frye for tomorrow night's game. Channing is 6'11 and nearly identical in weight to Radmanovic and has the ability to hit the outside shot on a consistent basis. Although it seems unlikely to have such a lengthy team on the floor as it would crowd the paint, the ability of Frye to shoot the open jumper is a critical factor. Plus, Frye's defense on Radmanovic would negate his offense as Radmanovic rarely shoots anything besides jumpers and three-pointers.

Batum is not ready to handle the pressure of an opening night game. Put Channing in and lets see the Blazers stretch the floor and shoot lights out against the Lakers.