IMO, people overestimate the notion of "the #4 pick in the draft". But it doesn't mean as much when you actually substitute players. I think Wesley Johnson will be good, but it's a roll of the dice. Batum is a known quantity and there are a boatload of teams that would love to have him. I guess you have to have seen Batum on a regular basis. As rookie, he showed promise but looked very raw. Last season he missed the first 45 games of the year with a shoulder injury. But when he finally returned to action, the progression was incredible. He was more confident, more efficient, still played the great defense and showed not only could he be a solid role player like Tayshaun Prince, but FAR EXCEED him. When Batum plays with confidence, he is incredibly disruptive of the other team. Because Batum plays in Portland and missed most of the season last year, few on this forum know about him. I won't go into length, but this is one 20 year-old the Blazers had better not let go of. He doesn't have the offensive skills of Tracy McGrady, but he is a much better offensive player than people realize. Don't be surprised if he has a breakthrough season this year. It might surprise you. I'd give up Trevor Ariza in a heartbeat for Batum. That's an obvious no-brainer deal every GM in the NBA would make. It took folks here two extra years to realize how good Brandon Roy was. Probably the same thing with Batum.
If they accepted this pick (which imo i would) i could see them taking wesley Johnson who i think could turn out to be a little better then batum
Lots of Portland fans are delusional and are saying there's no one at #4 that they'd rather have than Batum.
After Wall, Turner and Favors, who do you think the Blazers should select? Let's stop talking about the "#4 pick" and put in players names instead.
How are they idiots? They made the playoffs and won 50 games last year with a team decimated by injuries throughout the lineup.
I like the Blazers players but there is some legit concern over how they have been run. Once you get past the fact they were named the Jailblazers for the better part of the last decade and the fact they passed on Durant in favor of Oden and haven't particularly drafted well considering how many high draft picks they have had in the last 5 years, haven't particularly signed good FAs despite an owner with super deep pockets.....ya, I can see why someone would call them idiots. Look at what the Zombie Sonics have done in that same period of time with less resources.
anyone see what this kid did for france last summer against a lot of NBA nad high level talent he really had a versatile game and impacted all points, he just needs the right role, team, and trust from a coach, hes ready to go
There has been a conversation since the end of the year in the Portland media about whether Batum will be more important to the team than LMA in the coming years. This kid is better than most people have noticed. His time with the French nat'l team really kicked up his confidence and agressiveness on the court as he became their go-to guy. As far as Rudy goes, it seems like he regressed last year, and at this point doesn't look like a starter in the NBA. He shoots 3s but that's about it. Doesn't look like he'll be back in Portland. He made noise about going back to Europe, but he might change his mind.
If Batum was so good why did the Blazers get eliminated in the playoffs then? Saying you'd give up Ariza for Batum isn't such a big deal because Ariza isn't worth a 4rth pick either, and it doesn't take away from the fact that if this is true and it really was just Batum for the 4rth the Blazers are stupid for refusing it. How about Cousins or Favors in case Oden breaks down again? Plus they got their own draft pick to get another SF in the draft. You know his hype is starting to remind of the Bulls' overvaluing Luol Deng a couple of years back, so much that they declined Kobe from the Lakers and KG from Minny. What were they saying about that guy again? Great height, good athleticism, nice offensive player, good defense...reminds you of anyone?
Sarcasm? Batum is worth no where near the fourth pick in draft -- or Cousins/Favors if that helps narrow it down for you. Chad got jobbed on this one.
This draft is deep for big men but's it's not franchise player deep. There are even question marks around Wall the only player projected to be that.
This is something I've been following(lightly) since the trade. We traded down twice, so we obviously had our pick of whoever we wanted(Donte Green). Memphis hung their hat on Darrelle Arthur, and the blazers wanted Batum, and screwed the spurs in the process, as they wanted Batum too. I can't fault Morey greatly, because I think he was looking for a swing-for-the-fences type pick in Green, while the spurs/blazers were looking for a complimentary piece, a Bruce Bowen type. Nevertheless, it does look like Por/SA made the better assesment at this time, although Donte may still "blow up" someday.
wow unbelievable if true.. I was excited when we drafted this guy and a bit disappointed when we traded him, Batum has the potential to be like Ron in his prime bein a 2-way player, great on defense and really good offensively
