I was wrong about Batum

[Paxil]

When I saw his first summer league games... I thought he was the worst NBA prospect I had ever seen. I thought the Blazers were making a mistake keeping him over Kopenen who played much better. I also didn't think Batum would ever see a minute in the NBA.

Boy was I wrong. He looks pretty smooth when away from the guard dominated summer league.

Sometimes it is good to be wrong.

 

[AgentDrazenPetrovic]

very impressed with his touch and his body (no homo). he's going to be very ripped next season and I think he could be an AWESOME addition to this team.....great defense, and is coherent on offense. Very excited and now see what the hype was about this kid.

 

[Ed O]

Some players just seem to "get it" on the court... a half-step quicker without the ball, especially on defense.

Even in summer league I thought I saw signs that Nic gets it. Last night is more evidence that he does, and his ceiling looks really high.

Ed O.

 

[anonymous gambler]

Yeah, he looked very good- though I still wish we had Webster starting- his perimeter game fits a bit better, I think.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Nic seems to have the 'it' factor. He has an incredible feel for the game at only 19. He plays like a vet and plays within himself. His basketball IQ is very good on both ends of the court.

His ceiling is high - A young Kirilenko.

 

[AgentDrazenPetrovic]

I'm thinking more a more mobile, leaner Josh Smith.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

I'm thinking more a more mobile, leaner Josh Smith.

Josh Smith is a great weakside shot blocker, he is not a good on-ball defender.

Batum is more in the Prince/Kirilenko type of wings.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Batum's emergence as everything Travis is and More, and a healthy Webster mean that Outlaw's gone this year by the trade deadline... last year, I would have been sick at the thought; but this year, with Outlaw seemingly plateauing and Batum already a step faster on defense, I'm okay with Outlaw being a chip to deal with LaFrentz in a 2-for-1 deal. Nico is fast, knows where to go without the ball, knows how to pass, knows how to drive and shoot, can block shots and rebound... he's the entire package. I forget he's 19 when he's out there. Moreover, I don't have that dread I had when a younger Travis was out there a couple years ago.

 

[AgentDrazenPetrovic]

Batum had a nice weak-side block! Thinking offensively and body-type wise.....he's going to be ripped up when he gets a bit older. I'm surprised his bulk now vs. when he was drafted/draft highlights. 19 years old, unbelieveable.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Batum had a nice weak-side block!

You mean the one on that Tim Duncan fellow?

 

[AgentDrazenPetrovic]

Batum's emergence as everything Travis is and More, and a healthy Webster mean that Outlaw's gone this year by the trade deadline... last year, I would have been sick at the thought; but this year, with Outlaw seemingly plateauing and Batum already a step faster on defense, I'm okay with Outlaw being a chip to deal with LaFrentz in a 2-for-1 deal. Nico is fast, knows where to go without the ball, knows how to pass, knows how to drive and shoot, can block shots and rebound... he's the entire package. I forget he's 19 when he's out there. Moreover, I don't have that dread I had when a younger Travis was out there a couple years ago.

I don't see it that way, unless an upper echelon player becomes available at the PG spot. Outlaw still has a place on this team in the short and long run IMO. I think we're fine just to stay the course, we have a great balance and depth

 

[Crimson the Cat]

The more I think about it I think the odd man out might be Frye. I hate to say that.