Who would you take over Batum (or: is there a better fit for this future Blazer team)

[Shooter]

Re: Who would you take over Batum (or: is there a better fit for this future Blazer t

I love this kid though. Can't imagine him anywhere else.

Agreed. I'm still in shock at how much his shooting has improved from last year. He seems like a totally different player to me.

 

[andalusian]

Re: Who would you take over Batum (or: is there a better fit for this future Blazer t

His length and footspeed is what's amazing! He said he grew up playing soccer like Hakeem! Had to of helped! Don't get me wrong, Mello schooled him a few times, but that is just part of the process of gaining experiences and learning from them. He told me once that LeBron was the only player he felt he couldn't stop. Not bad!

Melo and LeBron are just too strong for him at this stage of his career - and honestly, if the refs were a bit less star-struck on Melo - the game would have been a lot closer - but overall - Nic is great, Kid is a joy to watch when he is gliding around the court and always seems to be in control on the offense and the defense.

Once he starts doing a bit more of the Travis Outlaw thing on offense (and we have seen that he can put the ball on the floor and he can elevate from a dribble to knock down a jumper) - he is going to be a nightmare for opposing teams.

There are 3 small-forwards you would take over him, imho - LeBron, Melo, Durant. That's it. Not Granger, not Wallace, not Deng - non of those guys. If you have one year to win a title and do not care what happens after - you got for Paul Pierce over him as well - but for the Blazers - these are the only 3 you trade him for.