the perfect role player

[HailBlazers]

If I were running an NBA team — ha! — I'd be scouring the world for role players who can do all of the following three things:
• Defend shooting guards.
• Defend small forwards.
• Shoot 3-pointers proficiently.

One of the most perfectly paid players in the NBA. (Wes) Matthews is a consistent 38 to 40 percent 3-point shooter, and he can make contested looks in high-pressure spots. He historically hasn't been quite as efficient when asked to create on his own, and the gap in salary between Matthews (about $7 million per season) and Nicolas Batum (about $11 million) is illustrative. The Blazers see Batum as a guy who can defend, hit 3s, and create offense for others, and though injuries cut Batum's scoring output over the last couple months of the season, he made huge strides as a secondary distributor and pick-and-roll passer. Matthews doesn't quite have that in his game, and his salary is nearing the upper edge of how the NBA likely values New Age Battiers — especially since he's not as long as someone like Leonard.
But Matthews is tough and strong, and he and Batum often swap wing assignments, with Matthews defending bulkier small forwards who carry post-up games. That's valuable.

Who Are the New Age Shane Battiers?

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Nic Batum
Tony Allen

 

[Mediocre Man]

Nic Batum
Tony Allen

Batum? LOL

Such a poor defender

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Batum? LOL

Such a poor defender

They consider him a defensive genius in France.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Batum? LOL
Such a poor defender

This has become your new hobby horse. Evidence? I'm certainly prepared to say he's overrated, but on our team where there are serious defensive holes, it might be that the half-decent defenders are being forced to cover for others.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

This has become your new hobby horse. Evidence? I'm certainly prepared to say he's overrated, but on our team where there are serious defensive holes, it might be that the half-decent defenders are being forced to cover for others.

http://www.82games.com/1213/12POR9.HTM His opponents at SF average a 12.6 PER.Now, it's possible the average SF sucks, and is less than 15, but I think you can say that he's at least out performing his opponent, whether that's all defense or better offense or whatever.