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Blazers Improvement '10: How Can Nicolas Batum Improve This Summer?
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  1. DHawes22
    DHawes22
    Posts: 6475

    Posted 05/21/2010 1:59 PM

    Next in line is Nicolas Batum.
    Here is a snippet from my blog:

     After missing the team's first 45 games of the season due to shoulder surgery, it was questionable just how much progression Nicolas Batum could make out of a shortened season. It didn't take long for the second year forward from France to let it be known that he wasn't satisfied with his rookie production. In just his second game back from injury, Batum showed off a new and improved offensive repertoire, which included a quicker release on a more accurate jump shot as well as the ability to shoot off the dribble. Along with being the team's most suffocating perimeter defender and a highlight real waiting to happen with his patented chase-down blocks, Batum saw his offensive numbers spike up all across the board in 2010. His points nearly doubled from 5.4 to 10.1, he lead the team in three-point percentage at 40.9%, shot 84.3% from the foul line, and improved his field goal shooting nearly 7% from .446 to .519. He has already showing signs of becoming the next great small forward in this league, but what is most vital to achieving that goal this summer?

    1. Gain Weight

      2. Along with being the team's top wing defender, Batum is also the most versatile. Outside of guarding centers, he has proven to be capable of guarding an array of players, from the extensive 7'0" Dirk Nowitzki to the accelerated 6'0" Chris Paul. Although the spectrum of players he's able to shut down on a nightly basis is immense, there is one prototype which gives Batum fits, the strong, bulkier small forwards of the league. Guys such as LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony use their size and brute strength to over match Batum's 6'8", 210 lb. frame.

      Batum's God-given wingspan of 88 inches, normally used to disrupt and suffocate his prey, is taken out of the equation when trying to guard players of over 230 lbs., because of their ability to do all of their damage down low on the blocks and muscle their way to the hoop and/or the foul line. A player everyone compares Batum's potential to, Scottie Pippen, had the same physical attributes as Nico (6'8" tall, 87 inch wingspan), except he played around 225 lbs. To allow these comparisons to come to fruition, Mr. Batum should become friends with the weight room this summer as soon as his shoulder heals up 100%. Continue Reading>>>
    What do you think Batum should be working on this summer to go from great role player to potential All-Star?
    I am a fan of
  1. Bertram
    Bertram
    Posts: 803

    Posted 05/24/2010 3:24 PM

    Bulk up, and continue to work on his already flourishing game.

    Also, improve his man defense...really to me he's not the best perimeter defender on our team. It's Brandon Roy and a very close Martell Webster...Batum is on ice-skates when he plays against some people.
    I am a fan of B-Roy and LaMonster!
  1. ClydeFrog
    ClydeFrog
    Posts: 975

    Posted 05/24/2010 3:35 PM

    Roy is the weakest of those 3 in terms of defense in my opinion. I think once Nico bulks up and gets the respect of the officials, its over for the rest of the league. He's a lock-down defender in every aspect.
    I am a fan of Watching Elliot Williams Take Flight!
  1. Bertram
    Bertram
    Posts: 803

    Posted 05/24/2010 11:05 PM

    It's funny to me how you see Roy as our weakest defender, when in late game situations he is on the other teams best perimeter player...and also how weak our defense is without him on the floor.

    Nic has the POTENTIAL to be a lock-down defender, but he's not there yet. When he faces decent dribblers he gets caught ball watching, thus he follows the movements of ball and easily falls for simple direction changes. It's a horrible habit as a defender, and a very difficult one to get rid of. Once he learns not to do this and bulk up a little he will be lock-down. For now, he's just a good defender.
    I am a fan of B-Roy and LaMonster!
  1. Tobyus Sanchezo
    Tobyus Sanchezo
    Posts: 1599

    Posted 05/25/2010 12:51 AM

    Gosh, these kids grow up so fast nowadays.
    Batum's gonna be an All-Star before we know it.
    I am a fan of playoffs in two zero one three
  1. Kim~
    Kim~
    Posts: 1137

    Posted 05/25/2010 10:32 AM

    Defense doesnt even come to my mind when thinking of Nic and improvement.
    I'd like him to rest more this summer, but I understand his loyalty to his country too.
    I am a fan of scrapping !
  1. ClydeFrog
    ClydeFrog
    Posts: 975

    Posted 05/25/2010 12:10 PM

    Barring Oden's health, Batum will be the Blazers 2nd All-Star..take it to the bank!
    I am a fan of Watching Elliot Williams Take Flight!
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