He was actually really great. Calling for the ball, being very aggressive. We should play him more. He finally looked comfortable out there. But I don't believe that was his career high. Someone said he scored 11 points once.
I actually liked his hustle, he defiantly needs some confidence because when people actually play D and he isn't in vs scrubs he has a hard time getting open but his shot looks so nice. I think him/Crawford/Batum all have the same looking shot, meaning when they shoot you think its going in. That being said Nate play him more and up his trade value to an early second rounder!
MM has always said he could be a player; and he maybe he is right. I think if he could get some time on the court that he could learn to finish at the basket better and maybe with more time on the court he would dish off more also, not feeling he has to score while he has the chance.
Babbitt looks like he's over his stage fright. He can shoot and he always rebounds well when he's in. He was definitely aggressive, and he's more athletic than people give him credit for. I hope Nate clears the bench a little earlier in our next blowout.
This is what I don't understand about Nate McMillian. He decides to throw in Luke for 10 minutes when Boston decides to put in their second unit. Why didn't Nate do this when Portland is beating Phoenix by 38 points. Nate only played luke for 4 minutes in that game. Nate is not going to see any potential for any young players if he doesn't play them and that's his troubling mindset that drives me nuts.
I believe Luke will be a pretty good player if he'd only get some playing time. Problem is he is playing behind Wallace and Batum right now and only gets into game for a couple of garbage minutes every 5-6 games or so. Now that the playoffs are looking like a long shot or at least a why bother, I want to see Elliot, Luke and Nolan play.
The Blazers have been involved in more blowouts (both giving and receiving) than any team in the league, yet Luke Babbitt has only played 62 minutes all season. Even Elliot Williams, for as much potential as he's shown, has only played 149 minutes all season. But, Gerald Wallace and LaMarcus Aldridge are both among the league leaders in minutes played. This is inexcusable. I can understand playing your best players big minutes when the game is undecided, but when you're up or down more than 20 with 6 minutes to play, it's time to clear the bench. By keeping his starters in well after the opposing coach has cleared his bench, the Blazers continue to lead the league in 2nd half scoring margin, in spite of a losing record. Gee, I guess Nate really is a good coach! In that ridiculous game against the Lakers two weeks ago, the Blazers were down 30 (37-7) early in the 2nd quarter, but Babbitt and Elliot Williams played a total of 2:37 each. But hey, at least the Blazers were +11 in the second half! Nate seems more focused on minimizing margin of defeat than developing young talent. It seems like he thinks cutting the lead from 30 to less than 20 will help save his job. This isn't the BCS. Margin of victory means nothing. Win/loss record is all that matters, and when that's decided, you need to take advantage of the situation and play your young guys. They need that game time to develop, and if we had an actual GM, he'd want to see if those young players have a future in this league or if it's time to cut your losses and move one. BNM
well, luke babbitt IS a lottery pick, no wonder everyone is so eager to get back there! a few more babbitts of various sizes and we are set!
I think it's possible Luke can be a decent role player off the bench some day. Score a few points, hustle defense, grab a few rebounds...
No, it's that we think they're fucking great when they score 10pts in a humiliating loss in Boston. Edit: That was mean. Babbitt was the bright spot of a terrible game last night. I doubt he'll still be in the NBA 2 years from now but it's cool that even he has fans.
