Batum has been lambasted by portland fans for not playing defense like he used to just like we do Chandler, lol
Parsons is a nice player and is still growing. I would like him to get stronger and rebound a little better, but he's also overworked. If we could get a decent wing to go alongside him, Parsons would be much better off.
I've seen this argument from several posters. I guess what you're saying is that once Parson's rookie contract is over, he will not be better than Batum in any way because Parsons will also make 10 million +. To be honest, I get being a loyal fan, but Batum has been better than Parsons this series. Batum PPG: 15.3 APG: 4.7 BPG: 0.7 SPG: 0.9 RPG: 7.3 FG%: 0.439 3 PT %: 0.375 TO: 1.3 Parsons PPG: 18.0 APG: 1.7 BPG: 0.3 SPG: 0.7 RPG: 5.7 FG%: 0.417 3 PT %: 0.222 TO: 0.3 Chandler may have more PPG but Batum is better in every single category besides points. It isn't even close and Parson's 3 pt % is atrocious
I think Batum is a better player. Possible that Parsons keeps developing. Parsons main advantage is his ability to 'create' his own offense. I don't see that in Batum - he is a wonderful facilitator for others with smart passing, but isn't a guy who can create for others. Apart from that, Batum has Parsons pretty well covered in every aspect.
Parsons is better at slashing/getting to the hoop, besides that he's not better at any part of the game than batum. And his defense has regressed so badly that I'm ready to call him a bad defender. Not harden level bad, but not much better. Chandlers still my guy though, but I call a spade a spade
Batum is a better defensive player, Parsons is a more prolific scorer. They're very close in talent level, and they have similar size/approach to the game as well. Certainly Batum is not "much" better than Parsons, though. If he's better, it's only by a little bit.
I haven't seen enough Batum during the regular season to judge, but he is definitely the better player in the playoffs.