When Batum returns...

[PHXBlazer1]

So if we stick with the lineup we rolled out tonight, what do you guys think should happen when Batum comes back? I think Miller should have been the starter from day 1, so I would simply replace Blake with Batum when he's healthy and move Roy back to the 2. What say you?

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Yeah, I really don't see Blake as anything more than Roy's security blanket right now... Batum or Webster can hit the spot up 3... Batum gives you added defensive length.

 

[STOMP]

Yeah, I really don't see Blake as anything more than Roy's security blanket right now... Batum or Webster can hit the spot up 3... Batum gives you added defensive length.

he has comparable length to Webster... his defensive ability is just plain better

I'll stand by my prediction that Miller Roy Batum LA Greg will be the starters for the majority of the year (with the caveat of when available).

STOMP

 

[andalusian]

If we continue to see Miller and Roy co-existing as well as they did last night - Blake will be in the 2nd unit.

But, honestly - who cares - as long as they win.

 

[THE HCP]

I wouldn't expect anything from Batum this season.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

I wonder how happy Roy is with this arrangement. I get the impression he doesn't like playing SF. And now, not only is he playing with Miller (and handling the ball less) he's playing out of position and will be forced to defend people a lot heftier than him. Remember, he dropped to about 206 lbs this Summer.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

I wouldn't expect anything from Batum this season.

You think the injury is that serious? Isn't it the same as Blake had last year?

 

[THE HCP]

I'm not saying he won't return in March some time, but by then roles will be defined I'm sure. They aren't going to try to insert him and mess up the rotation that late in the season.

 

[hasoos]

Portland will cross that bridge when they come to it. Right now there is a lot of road ahead of this team, and things may just sort themselves out before then.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

5 months for rehab and that doesn't include the time needed to get back into basketball shape.

We wont have to worry about this until next season.

 

[magnifier661]

I wonder how happy Roy is with this arrangement. I get the impression he doesn't like playing SF. And now, not only is he playing with Miller (and handling the ball less) he's playing out of position and will be forced to defend people a lot heftier than him. Remember, he dropped to about 206 lbs this Summer.

Maybe not happy now, but if they keep being successful, and Roy basically is the Roy we know and love in the 4th, it's kind of a moot point. Even last season, Roy kinda coasted for the first 2 periods, then started forcing the issue in the third and fourth. So it doesn't really matter.

I think him being the 3 is easier for him defensively, plus it saves his legs in the 3rd and 4th period.