did a great job educating young Tyreke Evans tonight, especially down the stretch, by getting him to take a bunch of contested Js. There are always nights when a guy gets hot even against good D even in Battier's younger days, and there are nights when he's not athletic enough any more to to keep up with the stars. However Battier has been playing solid defense during the team's recent wins and has looked significantly better overall compared to the start of the season. Tonight, Jordan Hill made the more spectacular plays, but Battier was very solid on his man. Even blocked 4 shots, too.
Battier did a REALLY nice job but did NOTHING on offense. Against a better offensive team we would have needed more out of Shane.
+1 . If only Shane avgs 10 points a game while playing his lockdown D, then I would think his $7mil contract is fair. Although, I suppose his role as the Knucklehead Controller and Zen Master in the locker room is valuable enough to warrant that money.
Lee was far more impressive defending Evans, IMHO. As the OP mentioned, Battier doesn't have the footwork to hang with explosive wings, but he did an excellent job baiting Evans to pull the trigger on the 3-ball tonight. Savvy move by the team's captain. Lee absolutely shut Evans down for an extended period of time in the 2nd half, and once RA pulled him, Evans got 7 quick points, including a 3-ball. Battier's craftier, but Lee does a much better job smothering Evans and reacting to Evans' moves off the bounce.
I hope we keep Battier around. I would definitely re-sign him - long-term contract, lower contract value per year.
