Batum is out.  Half the season or more out. There goes the whole two units theory.  Nate will be scrabbling to find groups he has confidence in. Travis will play behind Martell at SF. This leaves Howard playing big minutes. Unless ...

How about, when LMA comes out, Joel comes in and we go Twin Towers?

C and PF have 96 minutes a night. LMA gets 33, Greg might get 30 and Joel another 30, with Howard subbing in a little, more when there's foul trouble. With Batum out, the twin towers could be the answer to some lineups with tremendous interior defense. They would gobble up tons of boards. Joel won't take touches away from Greg, but he will be there on the opposite block to collect easy buckets on put backs and when GO draws the double-team.

Alternately, if Travis does see time at PF, then that opens up a spot for Rudy to play alongside Roy.  Those three formed  one of our most productive combinations from last season.

We might even get to see if Cunningham can play at this level (at the 3 spot, please, unless we are going small).

While Batum's injury requiring surgery is dreadful news, it should force Nate to think more creatively. I am looking forward to seeing what he comes up with.

PAX PORTLANDICUS!