http://www.csnnw.com/pages/landing/?blockID=630826&feedID=5212 23 year old Nicolas Batum plays a limited role on the blazers, but on his team in Europe he is very McGrady esque, often playing shooting guard. His averages are something like 16-6-5, with great defense and fantastic percentages. I think his potential is being locked up on the Blazers right now. He has zero opportunities to make decisions with the ball. A very McGrady-esque Toronto type role off the bench. He will likely be a restricted free agent next year, and with Portland looking to re-sign Gerald Wallace, and with Wesley Matthews, Lamarcus Aldridge and Raymond Felton on solid contracts, I think we can beat their offer. Imagine something like 1. Kyle Lowry (6-0, 25) 2. Nicolas Batum (6-8, 23) 3. Chandler Parsons (6-10, 23) Batum is absolutely ready to take on the top wings in the league defensively, and Chandler isn't too shabby himself. This could be Shane Battier+Ron Artest all over again, with HUGE offensive potential... (I wonder If Portland would be interested in a trade before he becomes a FA)
I wouldn't mind getting him at all, but we'd have to shake up the roster to do it. That's not necessarily a bad thing. ;-)-
Don't know about Batum on the offensive end. Have not seen him this year, but he never really seemed to havea ton of individual ability there. Pair Lowry with Batum and a top 8 pick next year. Then build around that core.
That's the question mark, but he has shown a lot of potential overseas. Even If he isn't a great offensive player, he has proven to be a good shooter and finisher. On defense he is a monster, and I would give anything to see two giant defensive wings on the Rockets again. Defensive wings that can do multiple things and knock down the 3. Basically, at worst, Batum seems to be a SUPER Ariza. He plays defense, but he is not delusional about his shooting ability, which is actually quite a bit more proficient than Ariza's...
We had him then gave him away. Another great steal by Portlans. They attained both Roy and Aldrigdge by giving up crappier picks to get get superior picks. Tyrus Thomas for Aldridge, Randy Foye for Brandon Roy, then they got Batum for peanuts too. Thanks largely to Pritchard. Morey isnt quiet on the same level as Pritchard and Presti are.
I'd give up any combination of Lee/Bud/Terrence/Dragic/Hill etc for him, lol... I would consider giving up Martin or Scola too...
he's a great role player but would be the 4th best player on a championship team. should not blow cap space on that type of guy.
I can understand that kind of thinking, but I think he has a hell of a lot more potential than that If someone took a chance on him.
They have Matthews, Wallace, and Crawford ahead of him at the swing positions. Elliott Williams can play too but he's a second year player and missed last year through injury.
I don't know. He is young and one can argue hasn't had as many opportunities as some players. Still, he has always seemed limited offensively and reeks of being a role player, although a very good one. I like his versatility, I guess it would come down to how much money.
