Seriously? So DH isn't a franchise player in your opinion? Because Favors has exactly the same body type he has coming into the league. Also you don't need a franchise level player to be deep, all-star level big men do just as well.
I'd take Batum instead of Wesley Johsnon (who is actually a year and a half older than Batum) any day of the week. Nic has a better body, more athleticism, and has shown he can play in the big leagues. Cousins has too many question marks about his character and POR is already loaded upfront with Aldridge, Camby, and Oden (maybe even Przybilla if he can recover). Easy to see why POR made this decision. People are getting sticker shock here with the whole #4 pick thing.
Batum reminds me of Travis Outlaw with better ability as a spot up shooter. Long, rangy athlete type wing (though Outlaw was probably a better shock and awe athlete). Heck, I think there were similar rumors of the Blazers during down offers of lotto picks for Outlaw 2-3 years ago. It's not a bad thing, but I have a hard time seeing Batum as more than a #3 guy on a decent team. Again, not a bad thing, but I think you have to hope that a top 5 pick lands you an all-star type #1 or #2 option. Maybe that guy isn't available at #4 this year, but that's what I'd expect at least.
Outlaw in his seven year career has never played the kind of defense Batum did his rookie year. And Nic is far smarter.
