IMO, the guy that can help us the most by stepping up his game.

[maxiep]

We know what Lillard and LA can do. However, our best chance to really have something is for Nico to live up to his talent level.

He has all the tools to be an elite wing, but doesn't have the assertiveness. In a way, he reminds me of LA when Aldridge played with Roy.

If we can make him a focus of our offense, both as an outside shooter and cutter, it creates all kinds of difficulties for the defense and opens up offensive opportunities. However, Batum seems simply content to disappear for long stretches.

Thoughts?

 

[dviss1]

We know what Lillard and LA can do. However, our best chance to really have something is for Nico to live up to his talent level.

He has all the tools to be an elite wing, but doesn't have the assertiveness. In a way, he reminds me of LA when Aldridge played with Roy.

If we can make him a focus of our offense, both as an outside shooter and cutter, it creates all kinds of difficulties for the defense and opens up offensive opportunities. However, Batum seems simply content to disappear for long stretches.

Thoughts?

Repp'd. I said this in the Batum for Monroe thread. He's also only 25 and has not yet reached his prime.

 

[maxiep]

Repp'd. I said this in the Batum for Monroe thread.

Oops! Sorry to steal your thunder, and repped for inadvertently stealing your idea. You've proven you know a hell of a lot more about hoops than I do in your previous posts.

 

[HailBlazers]

Think you nailed it with the term, assertiveness. If Batum could really assert himself and stay healthy he could be the X-factor on offense.

On the defensive end, some have said Batum is average, but if you watch him play against Durant (the best scorer in the West), he's one of KD's toughest matchup's.

 

[maxiep]

Think you nailed it with the term, assertiveness. If Batum could really assert himself and stay healthy he could be the X-factor on offense.

On the defensive end, some have said Batum is average, but if you watch him play against Durant (the best scorer in the West), he's one of KD's toughest matchup's.

I was going to comment on his defensive potential, but I didn't want to make the post too long. When Batum wants, he can be a dominant defender. Again, he's simply not aggressive enough. I wonder if that's a European b-ball mindset. The guy has all the tools and occasionally they'll manifest themselves.

SA always wanted Nico. I think under Pop, he'd be a star. So, how can we get him to step up his game?

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Let's see what he's like for France in the Eurobasket. He's usually a lot more assertive, and sometimes even looks like the star, despite Parker being around.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Someone's got to pound that killer mentality into Nic's head. He's just too nice, too pleasant (except when playing against Spain). If only he had the desire to dominate people, I believe he could do so against 75% of the SF's out there.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I agree as well. It was frustrating to watch Nic after his injury. It was night and day compared to earlier in the year. We need one more wing player to attack the basket. If he can't then I am fine with trading him. But if he can, then he can be a difference maker.

 

[magnifier661]

Nic has been the X factor the last 3 years. His problem has been staying healthy. And when I say healthy, I'm talking about not having nagging injuries that keep him timid.

So I agree that he must be more assertive; but I think his assertiveness is directly connected to his health. He should rest or work on some strength training.

 

[BBert]

There's a lot in this thread I agree with.

First, Nico did become more assertive playing in Europe last summer, and it showed during the early part of the season. Hopefully he continues in that direction in Eurobasket this summer. Guys better wear a cup, that's all I'm sayin'.

Second, he was living up to his talent level, and playing like a top SF in the league, last season, before his wrist injury. Hopefully, Stotts puts him in a position to continue and even build on his play from the early part of last season.

Nico is just now entering his prime. But he's never going to take over the team. It's not his team and it's not LaMarcus' team. It's Lillard's team. But as a third fiddle, I'm not worried about him stepping up, if given the proper role on the team.

 

[handiman]

SA always wanted Nico. I think under Pop, he'd be a star. So, how can we get him to step up his game?

Easy, trade him for Kawhi Leonard. Pop can teach Batum to be consistently dominant, and we get back a similarly productive player that has already learned the trade!

 

[jlprk]

If Hickson's example couldn't shame Batum and Aldridge into becoming energy players, then nothing can.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Someone's got to pound that killer mentality into Nic's head. He's just too nice, too pleasant (except when playing against Spain). If only he had the desire to dominate people, I believe he could do so against 75% of the SF's out there.

In my experience this is impossible to do. Either you have a fiery temperament or you are laid back and this is about your DNA and can't really be "taught."

For better or worse, I think Nic is probably who he is going to be at this point of his career. The question is whether he's the guy we saw before he hurt his wrist or more the guy we say after that injury, last season. Pre-injury Nic was a borderline all-star; we'll see if he picks up there I guess?

 

[Boob-No-More]

There's a lot in this thread I agree with.

First, Nico did become more assertive playing in Europe last summer, and it showed during the early part of the season. Hopefully he continues in that direction in Eurobasket this summer. Guys better wear a cup, that's all I'm sayin'.

Second, he was living up to his talent level, and playing like a top SF in the league, last season, before his wrist injury. Hopefully, Stotts puts him in a position to continue and even build on his play from the early part of last season.

Yep and yep. For the first month and a half of the season last year, Nic was putting up triple doubles and had a 5x5 game and a PER > 20. People here were talking about our Big 3 of Aldridge, Lillard and Batum. Then, he had the wrist injury. That effected him physically, but I also think it effected him psychologically. He lost some confidence and just wasn't as assertive after that. If he comes into the season healthy, and can stay that way, hopefully, we will see Awesome Nic for an entire season.

BNM

 

[jlprk]

Ever since the Oregonian forced out Whitsitt, the team has filtered out all but soft--oops, I mean character--players.

 

[illmatic99]

In addition to the injury, I think our record going in the toilet had an effect on his assertiveness. He, like much of the team, realized we weren't going anywhere and stopped playing hard. Bad attitude to have, but I don't blame him that much. He has the ability to make a good team great, but not the ability to make a bad team good... if that makes sense.

 

[HomerLovesKoolAid]

Someone's got to pound that killer mentality into Nic's head. He's just too nice, too pleasant (except when playing against Spain). If only he had the desire to dominate people, I believe he could do so against 75% of the SF's out there.

I totally agree. He needs some aggravation therapy, maybe make him watch highlight films of Rudy flopping or part of his daily workout could be punching a Spaniard in the nutsack.

 

[Boise Blazer]

I thought I read somewhere or saw a tweet that Batum was going to try to put on more muscle this summer. I wonder if that will help with the injuries

 

[magnifier661]

In addition to the injury, I think our record going in the toilet had an effect on his assertiveness. He, like much of the team, realized we weren't going anywhere and stopped playing hard. Bad attitude to have, but I don't blame him that much. He has the ability to make a good team great, but not the ability to make a bad team good... if that makes sense.

But his pay scale doesn't call for him to be a "game changer" for a bad team. He was an important piece to an already winning caliber team.

FUCK SCRATCH THAT: I thought I was in the matthews thread. Batum is definitely at a pay scale to make a bad team good.

 

[Eastoff]

Let's see what he's like for France in the Eurobasket. He's usually a lot more assertive, and sometimes even looks like the star, despite Parker being around.

I do believe Nico will be skipping it this year. (A FIRST!)

 

[magnifier661]

I do believe Nico will be skipping it this year. (A FIRST!)

Are you sure? I seem to remember that he announced he will be playing for France this year. I remembered how much that pissed me off.

 

[magnifier661]

I do believe Nico will be skipping it this year. (A FIRST!)

http://www.eurobasket2013.org/en/ci...id_tt0VxFeXGcAbn-yTKr3-K3.articleMode_on.html

Having won silver in 2011, Nicolas Batum and France are aiming at another podium finish at the upcoming EuroBasket

and

"We have enormous chances at the EuroBasket, despite counting with two big men less because of the absences of Kevin Seraphin and Ludovic Vaty," Batum told the basketactu.com website.

 

[BlayZa]

nic needs to play this season like he has a chip on his shoulder and something to prove, because really, he does...
short of punching that guy in the balls, i dont think ive really ever seen him with that fire. he's usually just slow burning on the court - honestly i barely notice him some games.

 

[Sedatedfork]

MP's point is well taken, but I would also add Dorrel Wright to the conversation. Last year's bench was beyond awful. If Wright can help with some offensive punch on the 2nd unit, this team should be considerably better than last year.

 

[Eastoff]

Are you sure? I seem to remember that he announced he will be playing for France this year. I remembered how much that pissed me off.

I guess you're right.

 

[magnifier661]

nic needs to play this season like he has a chip on his shoulder and something to prove, because really, he does...
short of punching that guy in the balls, i dont think ive really ever seen him with that fire. he's usually just slow burning on the court - honestly i barely notice him some games.

There have been some games last year where he really stood out. There were a few game winners and clutch defensive stops. His triple double was pretty sexy too.

 

[magnifier661]

I guess you're right.

Yeah the shit really pisses me off. I mean he's on a near max contract and he could get injured. I understand he has French patriotism; but the dude needs to earn his contract first. Once he's legit, then do the things you need to play in the off-season. It really makes me angry. Did I mentioned I'm pissed?

 

[Pinwheel1]

"Batum faced health issues of his own towards the end of the NBA season and missed Portland's final few games, but he joked that 'knock on wood, I am still in one piece.'
"I am resting now, I had some problems with my shoulder this year, but beyond that I have not had a really big injury, just a few glitches," he explained.
Most importantly, he has been elevated to a go-to player at Portland over the last couple of seasons.
"I do not look at [Greg] Oden, [LaMarcus] Aldridge and [former team-mate Brandon] Roy any more to take orders in the clutch moments.
"It is me that others turn to in the clutch now.
"I have to assume my responsibilities and that is very encouraging.
"Even off the field and with the media [in the United States], I'm much more secure and respected now."
France were drawn in First Round Group A at EuroBasket 2013, which tips off on 4 September, together with Belgium, Germany, Israel, Ukraine and Great Britain.

 

[dviss1]

Oops! Sorry to steal your thunder, and repped for inadvertently stealing your idea. You've proven you know a hell of a lot more about hoops than I do in your previous posts.

Green font? Maybe just light green?
If not, that is the kindest thing anyone has ever said to me in the forum. Thanks for the compliment.

 

[Masbee]

We know what Lillard and LA can do. However, our best chance to really have something is for Nico to live up to his talent level.

He has all the tools to be an elite wing, but doesn't have the assertiveness. In a way, he reminds me of LA when Aldridge played with Roy.

If we can make him a focus of our offense, both as an outside shooter and cutter, it creates all kinds of difficulties for the defense and opens up offensive opportunities. However, Batum seems simply content to disappear for long stretches.

Thoughts?

He doesn't dribble in traffic or finish in traffic well enough to be an elite wing. /thread