Originally Posted by BBert View Post
Batum is consistently the most versatile player on the Portland roster. Batum consistently defers his game to benefit the team and his teammates. Batum consistently provides, night in and night out, the specific tangibles his coach asks: one night, (or for one quarter, or for one play in the clutch), it's to defend a specific player; another it's to distribute the ball and set up teammates; another it's to crash the boards; or set up for the three; and sometimes it's all of those. When he chases down an opponent who is racing down the court, to block the shot, that shows desire. I've seen Batum take, and make, plenty of clutch shots in high pressure points in a game. In fact, I'd say he excels when the pressure is on, or when the team needs him to make a play. And through it all, Batum is consistently bashed by ignoramuses who don't understand the nuance of team basketball.
