I think Batum needs more minutes. However, I don't think it's Gerald Wallace who should sit to get him them: it's Wesley. Think about it: can you name one thing that Wesley Matthews can do better than Batum? I honestly can't. What's good about Wesley is that he's feisty, and he can get hot from 3 point distance. But he can't shoot at all unless he's standing still with his feet set (that's not to say he won't shoot, which is a little bit of an issue). I think part of the reason that Batum isn't already starting at the 2G (which he does for France) is that McMillan doesn't want to pair up Crawford and Matthews in the second unit, as that would be one sucky passing backcourt. But after Matthews was -20 last night, and Batum was the spark in the 4th, I'm starting to think he deserves it. I think it might also benefit LaMarcus, because Batum might be the most unselfish passer on the team and is more likely to look to Aldridge first, something our other guards aren't doing as much as they should.
I know this idea isn't a popular view, but I actually agree with you. I think Batum starting at 2 would be pretty solid. We would be extremely long defensively. Also, Matthews looks like one that can get a game going off the bench. He seems more of "instant offense" than Batum. But I'm prepared for us to get laughed at.
I've actually pondered this for a while now. My pipedream backcourt: PG: Rondo SG: Batum Defense, defense, defense!
Before Batum starts at SG, he has to play a lot of minutes there, and successfully. First things first. Nate isn't even trying him there for 5 minutes per game, so why would Nate suddenly make him the starter there. You guys should advocate the baby step before the big step.
I would give up Wallace and Felton for Rhondo. Could you imagine a starting 5 of Rhondo, Matthews, Batum, Aldridge and Oden? Yikes talk about frustration for the other team to score.
The only people that are going to laugh at you are the diehard Wesley fans ... *crickets* ... there might be a couple somewhere around here (maybe) give it a minute. Personally, I'm all for it. I think Nic sees the floor better, he's got way more potential and I think he needs to be a starter to be most effective (at least mentally). Crawford and Wesley paired up in the backcourt has some black-hole potential but backup shooting guards are a dime a dozen and neither should be considered untouchable in a trade. They need to find out what they've got in Nic in a larger role sans Roy and there's no time like the present.
What is it to "play Batum at SG"? Is there really a defined SG role in Nate's system that's distinct from SF? Batum already defends guards (often the PG) all the time. He also comes off curls for shots a la a shooting guard. It seems to me that SG and SF are pretty much interchangeable.
I would like to see Batum play more minutes as well, especially at SG because I believe one of Wes or Nic or Wallace should be included in a trade to upgrade the PF/C position if an opportunity to do that presents itseld this year. Wes is the one of the three I'd prefer to see go, nothing against him I just like Nic more and I think he can do at least as good a job. We have Jamal at the 2 and Ewill can get some time which I'd also like to see.
In this crazy season, there will be plenty of minutes to go around. There will be times he will starts this season, I hope he doesn't get too caught up into starting or not starting.
Wesley absolutely sucked at the beginning of last year coming in off the bench behind Roy. He went on a tear after being inserted into the starting lineup. I don't know if there's just a different dynamic with Felton or what. Maybe he just plays better at a slower pace? Anyway, he's obviously got a big target on his forehead for losing his starting job with every game he continues to shoot poorly. In his defense, though, he is averaging 15ppg, 40%fg, 43%3fg in four games. We lived with that kind of shooting for a decade with Damon Stoudamire. And his shooting percentages are the EXACT same as Batum's. (Batum does bring more intangibles to the table, though.) He and Batum just need to start making some of the easy midranges and chippies they were making last year and it'll be ok. I've been really stunned at how many gimmies Batum has especially missed.
