We may have 2 Euro-non-wusses

[HomerLovesKoolAid]

Claver and Freeland both look like they don't mind mixing it up inside, have a nose for the ball and want to rebound, and seem pretty scrappy on D.

Oh yeah, and we have Nic too who makes a lot of money.

 

[NOVoodoo]

From what you've seen of those two so far, do you see either having a significant impact on the NBA level?

By that, I mean, do you think either of them have starter potential in their near future, or are both of them just big bodies that can mix it up down-low off the bench?

 

[HomerLovesKoolAid]

At this point Freeland probably will make the biggest impact. Looks like a guy that could be a solid NBA role player, especially if he can shoot the ball like he did in the olympics. He could be the guy that gets under the skin of the opponent, getting offensive rebounds and making hustle plays.

Claver, I'm not too sure about NBA long-term, but he is athletic and if he can move his feet well enough to guard the 3 he might not be bad. At least tonight he was going after rebounds and looked like he belonged there.

 

[jlprk]

I predict that Claver will become better than Batum.

(3rd time I've posted that in about 3 or 4 days)

 

[HomerLovesKoolAid]

Why does Batum look apologetic about everything he does on the court? It's like he can barely be assertive enough to make a decision. He obviously makes decisions but they still seem unsure and I wish he would go into nut-punching mode more often. There are great aspects to his game but I want more from him......

 

[NOVoodoo]

Why does Batum look apologetic about everything he does on the court? It's like he can barely be assertive enough to make a decision. He obviously makes decisions but they still seem unsure and I wish he would go into nut-punching mode more often. There are great aspects to his game but I want more from him......

I don't understand why you guys see the nut punching as a positive thing. When I was playing, the kind of guys who did things like that were the kind of guys that would get frustrated that they couldn't compete with the rest of the guys on the court, so they'd resort to cheap shots... not the kind of guys who approached the game itself aggressively.

 

[HomerLovesKoolAid]

I don't understand why you guys see the nut punching as a positive thing. When I was playing, the kind of guys who did things like that were the kind of guys that would get frustrated that they couldn't compete with the rest of the guys on the court, so they'd resort to cheap shots... not the kind of guys who approached the game itself aggressively.

Just an attitude thing I guess. I wasn't thrilled with the testicular attack but at least it showed some passion from Batum.
It would be better to redirect it.

 

[jlprk]

When Batum does try hard, he makes a lot of mistakes and causes turnovers (not just for him, but also for his pass receivers). So he becomes passive.

 

[NOVoodoo]

When Batum does try hard, he makes a lot of mistakes and causes turnovers (not just for him, but also for his pass receivers). So he becomes passive.

As a fan of team other than the Blazers... I still can't figure out why he got the contract that he did. It's almost like your GM holds your team to a below-average standard.

 

[jlprk]

This team waits (and pays) more years for potential to play out than any other team. Maybe it's because the owner is willing to pay years before he receives results, and maybe it's because the small town fans believe religiously in a golden future like the Book of Revelation.

I like a team that changes most of its roster every year. Up or out. If you don't move up, you're out.

 

[KingSpeed]

I predict that Claver will become better than Batum.

(3rd time I've posted that in about 3 or 4 days)

You read my mind. We should've let Batum walk. I don't think he's any better than Claver in the long term.

Maybe we could trade Batum to Minny for Roy and scrubs?

 

[KingSpeed]

I don't understand why you guys see the nut punching as a positive thing. When I was playing, the kind of guys who did things like that were the kind of guys that would get frustrated that they couldn't compete with the rest of the guys on the court, so they'd resort to cheap shots... not the kind of guys who approached the game itself aggressively.

Boom

 

[Blazinaway]

I predict that Claver will become better than Batum.

(3rd time I've posted that in about 3 or 4 days)

is your hope that numerous posts will convince yourself and us?

 

[jlprk]

When Olshey accepts my authority, I won't need to repeat myself anymore.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

From what you've seen of those two so far, do you see either having a significant impact on the NBA level?

By that, I mean, do you think either of them have starter potential in their near future, or are both of them just big bodies that can mix it up down-low off the bench?

An "impact"? No. But Freeland has shown me he may be a keeper. Claver isn't long for the NBA. I'd cut him. But if not, it'll probably be his only NBA contract.

 

[jlprk]

I'll pretend I didn't hear that. After all, this is a thread about wusses.

 

[HailBlazers]

Why does Batum look apologetic about everything he does on the court? It's like he can barely be assertive enough to make a decision. He obviously makes decisions but they still seem unsure and I wish he would go into nut-punching mode more often. There are great aspects to his game but I want more from him......

Three, was it two? years of playing under Mcmillian will do that to a guy.

Batum just needs to continue to shoot, regardless if he makes it, needs to continue to attack and not look back.

 

[Blazinaway]

When Olshey accepts my authority, I won't need to repeat myself anymore.

Nah, you like to hear yourself talk (post) too much for that to happen...

 

[Boob-No-More]

Three, was it two? years of playing under Mcmillian will do that to a guy.

3.65 seasons of standing in the corner waiting for the kickout under McMillan.

BNM

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Claver isn't long for the NBA. I'd cut him. But if not, it'll probably be his only NBA contract.

Wow, amazing what you manage to tell from less than 50 total minutes on the court. What an extrapolator you are.

 

[Rhal]

As a fan of team other than the Blazers... I still can't figure out why he got the contract that he did. It's almost like your GM holds your team to a below-average standard.

Batum is an enigma, not just on this board were he is both the most overrated and underrated blazer, you never know what batum you'll get from game to game.
Batum is an average NBA starter mostly because of consistentancy issues. He is an above average shooter and an above average defender who can guard 4 different positions at times. You add all that to his age and the fact he will just be entering his prime at the end of this contract and it makes him an asset and we were a team that lacked assets. Also adding his rare skill set togethor with his age and he is a far from an "untradeable" contract.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[BrianFromWA]

Joe Johnson was traded. Gilbert Arenas was traded. Rashard Lewis was traded. Twice.

No such thing as an "untradeable" contract.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Wow, amazing what you manage to tell from less than 50 total minutes on the court. What an extrapolator you are.

Thank you. It is a gift to understand the game. You should try it sometime. It's fun!

 

[blazerboy30]

I predict that Claver will become better than Batum.

(3rd time I've posted that in about 3 or 4 days)

By your opinion or in reality? You've said many times that Joel P is better than LMA.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Freeland is going to be an above average rebounder.

Though, he's invisible on the offensive end. No plays are ran for him and he doesn't call for the ball.

 

[jlprk]

By your opinion or in reality? You've said many times that Joel P is better than LMA.

My opinion is the same thing as reality. I'm compassionately waiting for humanity to catch up. Like Batum and unlike Przybilla in his peak 2 years, Aldridge "can" do this and "can" do that, but usually "doesn't."

 

[Hobbesarable]

Claver and Freeland both look like they don't mind mixing it up inside, have a nose for the ball and want to rebound, and seem pretty scrappy on D.

Oh yeah, and we have Nic too who makes a lot of money.

I always thought Freeland would be a solid 4/5 for our team. It'll be interesting to see how much playing time he'll get with LA and Hickson playing in the front court.