Batum: So far proving me wrong.

[magnifier661]

I was really pissed when we matched his contract. I thought at best, he would be an above average player. In his 9 games played; he's showing we got him at a damn good price. And the funny thing is many aren't talking too much about him, but look at these fucking numbers. The dude is seriously beasting right now!

ESPN: Batum Player Profile

20.8 PPG, 3.2 assist, 1.3 blocks, 2.3 steals, shooting 48% and 40% from 3's.

I am so glad I was wrong about him. Hopefully he keeps this up!

 

[illmatic99]

[video]

 

[Boob-No-More]

He's also averaging a career high (by far) 6.3 rpg. And, with that disastrous game against OKC, got off to a slow start. His two worst shooting games were in the first 5. He's REALLY been playing great lately. He's 9th in the entire league in scoring average (but 49th in salary), fills up the stat sheet in so many ways, and plays great defense.

Oh, and he's still only 23 (for a couple more weeks).

BNM

 

[magnifier661]

He's also averaging a career high (by far) 6.3 rpg. And, with that disastrous game against OKC, got off to a slow start. His two worst shooting games were in the first 5. He's REALLY been playing great lately. He's 9th in the entire league in scoring average (but 49th in salary), fills up the stat sheet in so many ways, and plays great defense.

Oh, and he's still only 23 (for a couple more weeks).

BNM

Glad management had a vision of the future. It maybe possible that the higher contract, new coach and fan support has really turned things around for Batum. All he needs is a run of good games and I can see his confidence go up and up!

 

[Further]

Honey badger don't care

 

[Further]

I think the read and react offense of Stotts is perfect for Batum. It allows his athleticism and talent to shine.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Trade him while his value is really high!

 

[HomerLovesKoolAid]

Do not underestimate the French.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Do not underestimate the French.

[video=youtube;UO70z00Hnxg]

 

[THE HCP]

Just curious to you and other Nic haters, where the hate came from? How could you not see his potential, how could you not see how young he is, why would his contract upset you when compared to all the ones being tossed around the league right now? Never understood the hate at all! Wish I could remember which one of you constantly hammered me and Zags for the past 9 months for being Nic supporters.

 

[Sedatedfork]

Just curious to you and other Nic haters, where the hate came from? How could you not see his potential, how could you not see how young he is, why would his contract upset you when compared to all the ones being tossed around the league right now? Never understood the hate at all! Wish I could remember which one of you constantly hammered me and Zags for the past 9 months for being Nic supporters.

I don't think I hammered Nic. I was in favor of letting him go for the asking price. The reason I think many were not enamored with Nic was because a breakout season was expected last year, and it didn't happen. We all saw the potential, but some (like me) didn't think he would reach it. Kudos to Batum for making good on that contract and ballin' and kudos to the Blazers for not giving up on Batum.

 

[THE HCP]

Why was LAST season supposed to be his breakout? Everybody hear always blamed Nate's system for holding him back....... Nate was still here, why would anything have been different?

 

[Sedatedfork]

Why was LAST season supposed to be his breakout? Everybody hear always blamed Nate's system for holding him back....... Nate was still here, why would anything have been different?

Well, without any Roy, there should have been a lot more opportunities for Batum. Instead he treaded water.

 

[HailBlazers]

Sarge was indeed the chains that bind him, maybe it was for the better though, because a new more agressive Nic has emerged.

It was nice to see Batum demanding the ball last night. Would have been really nice if he would have called for the ball the last play of the game and hit the game winner, but it's understandable, Lillard (Roy.2) is so amazing it's easy to just sit by and watch sometimes.

 

[HomerLovesKoolAid]

Why was LAST season supposed to be his breakout? Everybody hear always blamed Nate's system for holding him back....... Nate was still here, why would anything have been different?

I'm not sure that Nate's system held him back. No doubt a free option-read offense is better for Nic but I think he is just maturing.

He looks less tentative this year, not worried about making mistakes, and that could be just a matter of experience whether nate is here or not.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Honey badger don't care

When Mike Barrett let that go, I laughed like a maniac.

Batum, for all his take-charge attitude, is also averaging a career high in assists (and Assist rate; it's not just that he's playing more minutes). He's a facilitator!

 

[handiman]

I don't think I hammered Nic. I was in favor of letting him go for the asking price. The reason I think many were not enamored with Nic was because a breakout season was expected last year, and it didn't happen. We all saw the potential, but some (like me) didn't think he would reach it. Kudos to Batum for making good on that contract and ballin' and kudos to the Blazers for not giving up on Batum.

Ditto. I'm among those happy to be proven wrong so far, but I'm still skeptical that he'll maintain this level of play (or anything close to it). I'd love for him to continue proving me wrong for the foreseeable future...

I did think he reverted to Old Batum at the end of the game last night when he started trying to make shots, rather than just shooting when he was open. I still have a nagging fear that he's only playing well right now because there's no pressure/expectations on him, and that as soon as things get serious, he'll become more tentative again.

 

[KingSpeed]

There is already a thread about Nic with all his stats, esp the one that has him ranked #2 among all players in Fantasy Rankings. Ahead of LeBron!

http://sportstwo.com/threads/224270-Sean-Elliott-Batum-is-the-best-SF-in-the-league

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

After watching him at the game last night, he looks better than ever. His defensive instincts are really impressive. His stock is rising with me.

 

[Further]

When Mike Barrett let that go, I laughed like a maniac.

Batum, for all his take-charge attitude, is also averaging a career high in assists (and Assist rate; it's not just that he's playing more minutes). He's a facilitator!

I want Honey Badger to be Batums new nickname. Hop MB pulls it out again.

 

[magnifier661]

Just curious to you and other Nic haters, where the hate came from? How could you not see his potential, how could you not see how young he is, why would his contract upset you when compared to all the ones being tossed around the league right now? Never understood the hate at all! Wish I could remember which one of you constantly hammered me and Zags for the past 9 months for being Nic supporters.

I didn't hate on nic. I hated on the contract. I thought he would be a role player at best. My mistake I guess

 

[HailBlazers]

After watching him at the game last night, he looks better than ever. His defensive instincts are really impressive. His stock is rising with me.

He defense literally won the game. That swat at the end was epic.

 

[oldmangrouch]

Why was LAST season supposed to be his breakout? Everybody hear always blamed Nate's system for holding him back....... Nate was still here, why would anything have been different?

Bull dada. Nate was gone. Roy was gone. Other vets were traded or tanking. Batum had the chance to be a hero handed to him on a platter. He turned his back on it....and then announced he hated Portland so bad he wanted to play for Minnie-ha-ha. It is going to take more than a few good games to sell me on the "new" Batum.

I used to blame Nate - but last season convinced me the problem is in Batum's head and heart.

 

[Blazinaway]

Bull dada. Nate was gone. Roy was gone. Other vets were traded or tanking. Batum had the chance to be a hero handed to him on a platter. He turned his back on it....and then announced he hated Portland so bad he wanted to play for Minnie-ha-ha. It is going to take more than a few good games to sell me on the "new" Batum.

I used to blame Nate - but last season convinced me the problem is in Batum's head and heart.

so whaddya think now? he's gettin it done big time with the added presure of the contract - so are U happy or just a grouchy old man?

 

[THE HCP]

Why is it with you guys that Nic either needs to be and elite all-star or he's a bust? Wasn't he a late first round pick?

 

[magnifier661]

Why is it with you guys that Nic either needs to be and elite all-star or he's a bust? Wasn't he a late first round pick?

Contract HCP! Dude we are paying him to be our all-star. Doesn't matter if he wasn't even drafted. His pay scale warrants what production we expect from him.

 

[julius]

Contract HCP! Dude we are paying him to be our all-star. Doesn't matter if he wasn't even drafted. His pay scale warrants what production we expect from him.

how in the hell does that come out of the same keyboard that just said this about Roy "9 points and 8 rebounds shooting 38% from the floor" Hibbert?

So THAT you'd be ok with paying 14 million??

 

[magnifier661]

how in the hell does that come out of the same keyboard that just said this about Roy "9 points and 8 rebounds shooting 38% from the floor" Hibbert?

So THAT you'd be ok with paying 14 million??

LOL! Dude don't hate the playa, just hate the game son!

 

[THE HCP]

Contract HCP! Dude we are paying him to be our all-star. Doesn't matter if he wasn't even drafted. His pay scale warrants what production we expect from him.

Who said what we are paying him "all-star level money"? Compare his stats to other SFs who just got comparable contracts! Afflao/Gallinari etc....... PLEASE COMPARE THEM, I dare you!

 

[Boob-No-More]

Contract HCP! Dude we are paying him to be our all-star. Doesn't matter if he wasn't even drafted. His pay scale warrants what production we expect from him.

No, we're not paying him like an all-star. He's the 49th highest paid player in the league this season, the HIGHEST of his 4-year contract. There aren't 49 all-stars in the league. He's the 49th highest paid, but currently 9th in scoring - and he does so much more than just score. At his current production, he's a fucking bargain!

BNM