Batum's Growth on Display
posted: 10/12/2008 at 10:15 PM
It's always interesting how these things happen. We always say that one player's misfortunate injury is another player's opportunity. And, there's the old cliche' about timing being everything for players who are looking to crack a rotation. Portland's Nicolas Batum, the 25th selection in June's draft, is hoping, at the very least, he's done enough here in the preseason to warrant some action come the regular season. His crash course in NBA basketball continued on Sunday.
The Trail Blazers, playing without LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy, fell to the Utah Jazz 93-80. But, if you're looking for bright spots, Batum's line, and activity on the court, gets top billing here.
Because of Martell Webster's injury, Batum, the French import who won't turn 20 until December, moved up on the depth chart at the small forward position. He's taken full advantage of the opportunity, and Sunday led the Blazers with 16 points, on 7 for 11 shooting (including 2-2 from three), and blocked 3 shots.
He was seen a project player when he was selected late in the first round by Portland, and there was a time before the draft where it seemed certain he would pull out of the draft and return to Europe for further seasoning. Following an unspectacular stint at the Las Vegas Summer League, it appeared to some that perhaps that would have been the better decision.
But, Batum arrived early in Portland for camp, and during the five-on-five pick-up games at the practice facility in September, showed that he had greatly improved. In fact, they chart the winning percentages of the players involved in those pick-up games and the player who had the best winning percentage of anyone on the team- better than Roy, better than Oden, better than Aldridge, was Batum. He showed the knack for always being in the right place on offense and defense, and showed a better-than-expected offensive game. During the first week of training camp he showed glimpses of being ahead of schedule in his progress, and now, has really established himself being someone capable of being an impact player on this team- right now.
He was always described to me as someone who could, in time, be a lock-down wing defender. He's got the wing span of a player 7'4", and those long arms caused everyone trouble in those early games. His silky-smooth jumper started falling with regularity, and he started showing the ability to finish, both in traffic, and from the perimeter.
There was the thought that this team couldn't possibly use another 19-year-old prospect, but he's blown those thoughts up, and if he continues to improve, will find himself in the rotation with the regular season rolls around. There is even talk about the possibility of him sliding into the starting lineup, if for no other reason, than to keep Travis Outlaw in the second unit. But, listening to Nate McMillan, that's just an idea at this point, and isn't likely to happen. It is nice to know that they've got options, especially when it comes to this player who wasn't even seen as a starter on the summer league team four months ago.
While you're busy giving credit to Batum for making this progress, you might want to also toss a little love in the direction of Kevin Pritchard and his team of scouts, for coming up with another potential gem. Time, of course, will tell.
On Sunday, Utah was playing at full strength, and was successful in slowing the game down and taking advantage of the short-handed Blazers. They lost three of four games to Portland last season, and it appeared this was as much mental training, as it was physical, for them. They just wanted to beat Portland, no matter what was on the line.
Andrei Kirilenko led the way for the Jazz with 15 points, and Kyle Korver added 14. Carlos Boozer added 12, and Mehmet Okur, who got into immediate foul trouble trying to guard Greg Oden, had 11 points.
Oden played 21 minutes for Portland, and had 6 points and 6 rebounds. The numbers weren't that impressive, but, as I said, he got Okur out of the game quickly, and showed his impact in that department as Utah was in the penalty before the halfway point of the first quarter. With no Aldridge to make them pay, the Jazz brought double and triple teams at Oden, and the Blazers weren't able to hit from the perimeter.
If you want to hear Nate McMillan's post-game comments, including comments specifically about Batum,
click here.The Blazers are now off until next Monday, when they take on the Kings in Sacramento. This means valuable practice time following a hectic start to the exhibition season.
As far as the walking wounded go, there is good news. Steve Blake has been running and says he's going to return to practice, at full speed, on Tuesday. I also talked to Channing Frye after Sunday's game, and he said he's also targeting Tuesday's practice to return to full-speed action.
The improvement continues for the youngest Blazers, and help is on the way, as we've just past the midway point of the exhibition season.
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Great update mike;
The true nature of the Blazers, dating back to the 13 game winning streak, Some body different seems to step up and make a mark.
I think in this case playing for better than half the game with no starters, a lost can almost be considered a win sense this is pre-season.
As far as Batman being in the starting 5, and after listening to Tone and Wheels on the 5th quarter show, I would say probably not. Although in my opinion, the starting 5 isn't much different than the second unit. Nate has said that many of times. It does appear that Travis plays better comeing off the bench better than he does starting. Batman would be better with the first unit because of his defensive skills and not needing many touches. It would be a terrible slap in the face to Travis; therefore I doubt that this would happen.
Anyway this is one loss that even the bloggers with a must win attitude should be able to tolerate. We got to see the development of new players and to see a better game for Travis.
Thanks again for the keeping us is informed.
G.O. Blazers.
hg
I'm getting a Tayshaun Prince vibe from Batum. Am I off here?
MB. We had an unforgetable experience last night!My boys were chosen to give the game ball to the refs.There were pics taken buy one of the blazer staff, is there any way I can get a copy of this? I am more than willing to pay for the picture.
Thanks,Scott
MB. We had an unforgetable experience last night!My boys were chosen to give the game ball to the refs.There were pics taken buy one of the blazer staff, is there any way I can get a copy of this? I am more than willing to pay for the picture.
Thanks,Scott
Seems as if good things are coming of all these injuries. I just hope we can get these injuries out of the way so everyone stays healthy in the regular season and post-season this year.
Two weeks, one day, ten hours and fifty-two minutes...fifty-one minutes...I can't wait.
BEAT LA!
is the thursday practice at cleveland open to the public or are they just looking for a change of pace?
MB,
Batum is so hot. Thanks for the info.
Sophia
The exciting part about these preseason games is that regardless of the scores, we still haven't seen our team at full strength. Knowing that Steve is coming back and Channing, really leaves a feeling that something special might happen when they return.
It's fine if Utah wants to go near full on in the preseason. I just hope the Blazers remember it when the regular season rolls around. It's going to be a rivalry.
Great news on Blake and Frye. Any word on Rudy's ankle?
Mike,
Are you aware of any TV stations picking up Blazer games in the Spokane/Pullman area? I'm a new WSU student that is missing his Trail Blazers!
Much appreciated
Batum has major skills all right but the most impressive thing about him ,imho, is his maturity. He's also sneaky quick while appearing laid back and plays taller than he is. He reminds me a lot of former Suns forward Shawn Marion, always filling up the stat sheet even when not many plays were called for him.
Re: exclusion of my last comment
W-E-A-K
go blazers
Hey MB,
I was trying to watch Courtside on CSN but they were showing a Beavers game from last year instead. Then I tried to watch it again at 10:30 PM and it still wasn't on. Do you know why it wasn't showing Courtside? The Comcast guide had it scheduled.....
Its all good I don't think we have anything to worry about. Even though we have had some injuries thats basketball that stuff happens. This just makes the team stronger which will help us in the long run. Travis is doing to be fine he is just getting use to his new role. no trades. BEAT THE LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RIP CITY
beaverboy19,
That was my fault, and was not a rejection of your comment. I hit the wrong button and zapped it. I actually liked it. I don't reject any comments unless you swear or something, and that almost never happens. Sorry, just a bad slip on the keyboard.
andrew,
They jumped the gun on that a little. Courtside is going to be on CSN, but our first show isn't until the 27th. I've heard it's been in the listings, and that was the original plan.
blazer fan 1,
Let me check on this. And, feel free to call the front desk at 503-234-9291 and they'll help direct you to the correct person to ask about this.
Yes, Rudy is fine. I talked to him this afternoon and he's good. He's practicing tomorrow, along with Blake and Frye.
I'm going to practice, so I'll have an update for you at some point tomorrow evening.
Thanks all,
MB
Mike Barrett,
I truly enjoy your work announcing the Blazer's games. I enjoy your ply by play as well as your insight into the game. I especially enjoy your banter back and fourth with Mike Rice. but that is because there is a special place in my heart for Mike Rice for TWO MAJOR REASONS!
A "million" years ago I played basketball in Western PA. Our High School (Mt. Whalebone 1-1 1968) used to go to a 5 star summer camp where your Mike Rice was a coach (he was then a very successful high school coach).
When we first moved out here in 1996, I wrote Mike Rice to see if he remembered me?
AND after all those years he remembered not only our team, but he remembered me and my goofy shot (elbow out too far due to an unset broken arm when age 5) LOL. He actually called me at work to respond to the letter.
He always was special in my young life. At that camp, by the end of the week, our 5 on 5 team came in second, our 3 on 3 team camp in second, I came in second 1 on 1 with Denny Wysick (NC Tarheel), I came in second free throws etc etc etc. And they did not give out second place trophies for anything LOL. Mike did ask me on Tuesday to lead all the line drills in the morning (which I did like a drill Sargent)
Reason One
Well at the end of the Saturday night, awards ceremony with all parents there, after all the awards were handed out, and everybody was standing up to leave, Mike rice grabbed the microphone and said we have one more awar4d to give that they have never given before. That was "Best Leader, Hussler and Competitive Gamer" to which he announced my name. It is a moment though 40 years ago now, I will never forget. My high school coach latter on after the senior season said Mike Rice lobbied at the coaches session for me to get the award.
Reason Two
In 1997 I brought my wife Patti to a Blazers game. I took her down near Mike rice pre game to introduce her to him. (I had let hem know before hand we would be there). He was so very gracious and kind to her. As we parted he shook her hand and he said to her, "he was one of the best you know!" Exaggerating but making me feel like a million dollars!
Mike Barrett, I have not corresponded with Mike Rice in a few years as Patti had been in the fight of her life with IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer) one of the deadliest types of breast cancer.
After an almost 4 year debilitating and painful fight, Patti passed away on May 27th, 2008 at the too young age of 55. We have two teenage children.
First,would you please let Mike Rice know I will always be grateful for the camp award in 1968? But more importantly tell him, I am ETERNALLY grateful for what he said to Patti in that brief introduction as she always told the story to all our friends here in Oregon who are Blazers fans.
In Closing
Could you please give Mike Rice the following URL that tell the story of "Patti's Fight"
If you want to read an inspirational and inspiring story, just key in http://www.myspace.com/gregates.
The page tells a lot about our family and the situations we have been through fro the past 4 years.
If you click on "PICS" under the upper left hand avatar picture you can see our picture albums. There is a great set of pictures of Patti titled from Playboy to Oregon. And there is a basketball picture of me from Mt. Lebanon High School LOL
Mike Barrett, you have a terrific week!
Warmest regards
Greg Gates
PS: you can give Mike Rice my e-mail of gregates@comcast.net
PPS: tell Mike Rice we would like to say "hi" at some Blazers games this year to take our minds off the grief, the loss, the loneliness and the pain of tragically loosing Patti, but medical bills and financial devastation resulting, have made it impossible for us to purchase 2 good season tickets for this season. When it comes to medical bills, the electric bill, food or school supplies versus 2 good Blazer tickets, there unfortunately is no choice but the home front and the kids. Our family home of 12 years is in foreclosure as well. Been rough economic times for sure.
But just as Mike Rice taught me, hard work and gutting it out can come through on occasion. Let's hope 2009 is one of those times for our family.
God Bless you all, and Go Blazers!
Greg,
That was a very endearing story--thanks for sharing. No matter what people think of him as a broadcaster, it's impossible to dispute Mike Rice's value as a great human being. I don't even know the guy and yet it's so obvious that he cares about people.
Mike,
No hard feelings man. Paranoia is my favorite pastime, and sometimes I think I'm being ignored by the franchise on this blog as a result of what can be a somewhat inflammatory stance on certain issues. If I haven't annoyed at least one of you in the past then I haven't done my job as a true fan and advocate of the Blazers brand. Rest assured that I want nothing but the best for this team and for this city. I hold yourself, Schonz, Rice, the early 90's Blazers, KP, Nate, and the rest of the organization in the highest regard right down to the sales reps in your ticket office.
It comforts me to know that even though the franchise may not agree with my various stances on coaching, player selection, or corporate management, that you are at least willing to invite input from all sides.
I also understand that it is impossible for you to respond to every comment on this blog, but I do appreciate that you take the time to read and digest what we have to say. It speaks volumes about the connection between the franchise and the people who love and support it.
Mike, Wondered if you know a person in authority at DirecTV I can contact to get them to pick up Comcast Sportsnet Northwest to show our Blazers. I've been frustrated with contacting them through their customer service department. I know I'm just one voice, but thought others would like to know as well. Maybe we can blitz them. Thanks.
Mike, I have been a Blazer fan for over 20 years and don't miss a game on tv until they changed and now have most all games on Comcast. I have dish tv and I used to get the games on FSN before last season. Now I don't get very many games and I can't afford to go to any games. I love the Blazers and wish they would put the games back on FSN and the local station so I could watch more games. I can't affort to pay for the sports network. Why can't it be easier for older fans to watch the games. Maybe their are others out there that feel the same as I do. Thanks for any input you may be able to give.
Does anyone in Blazerland know if its possible to watch Blazer games online? I just recently moved to Hawaii, and miss watching the games.
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