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Is Batum A Top-10 Small Forward?
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  1. DHawes22
    DHawes22
    Posts: 6481

    Posted 08/24/2010 3:16 PM

    Where Does Batum Rank Among The NBA's Best Small Forwards?
    Top 5 (9)
     13%
    Top 10 (30)
     43%
    11-15 (23)
     33%
    16-20 (8)
     11%
    Below 20 (0)
     0%




    The guys over at Ball Don't Lie are at it again, this time ranking the Small Forwards from 30 to 1. Coming in at #13 was our own Nicolas Batum, ahead of such mainstays as Ron Artest, Richard Jefferson, and Tayshaun Prince and in front of up and comers Trevor Ariza, Omri Casspi, and Mickael Pietrus.
    Here's what they had to said about Nicolas-
     Before you accuse me of getting a bit batty with Nic, understand that this 21-year-old made 41 percent of his 3-pointers last season, coming through with double-figure scoring despite playing just half a game. Toss in the kid's good defense and (hopeful) ability to develop an NBA-level in-between game, and you could have a real comer for 2010-11.
    CONTINUE READING>>>

    Before we even debate Batum's rank, let's take a look at the 12 SF's listed in front of him

    12- Corey Magettee
    11- Danilo Gallinari
    10- Rudy Gay
    9-  Andrei Kirelinko
    8-  Luol Deng
    7-  Paul Pierce
    6-  Danny Granger
    5-  Andre Iguodala
    4-  Gerald Wallace
    3-  Carmelo Anthony
    2-  Kevin Durant
    1-  LeBron James

    For the time being, I don't have a problem with any of those players being listed above Batum, seeing as Nic is only 21 (the youngest of the Top 13) and only played 1.5 seasons in the NBA. I fully expect him to make "The Jump" this season though and open a lot of eyes. Coming into next season or being ranked after the completion of the 2011 season, don't be surprised to see Batum ranked 6th or 7th. Players such as Pierce, Kirelinko, and Magette are on the decline and either in theri 30's or reaching that age. Personally, I don't agree with Iggy being rank so highly in the first place, so I'd hope Batum can surpass him. Finally, I simply think he is just a better prospect than Gay, Gallinari, and Deng. So for now, I'm okay with him being ranked 13, but at the end of the season, he should easily fit inside the Top 10. Where do you think he should be ranked heading into the season?
    I am a fan of
  1. ClydeFrog
    ClydeFrog
    Posts: 975

    Posted 08/24/2010 3:22 PM

    Top 10..just barely. I'll put him over AK47, Gallinari, and Magette. His defense is what sets him apart from the rest. Even if he isn't performing on the offensive end of the court, the defense will be there on a nightly basis. I do agree though, once he breaks out this year, the whole NBA world will recognize the name Nicolas Batum. I really hope we run a lot of plays through him as his jumper is smooth and he has the athletic ability to finish in traffic.
    I am a fan of Watching Elliot Williams Take Flight!
  1. Alex
    Alex
    Posts: 21

    Posted 08/24/2010 4:51 PM

    I mean if you asked the any team in the nba, If they had to choose to give a 5 years max contract to either Paul pierce or Nic Batum. I think Batum would be the one thay'd give it too. Because of the skill level he's at and his potential. I mean batum hasnt reached his prime yet. so he definetly should be ranked a little bit higher.
    I am a fan of The Trailblazers growing up
  1. Kim~
    Kim~
    Posts: 1137

    Posted 08/24/2010 6:09 PM

    Nico is top 5. Let the nba keep sleeping on him. He is just getting started :)
    I am a fan of scrapping !
  1. RipCityRevival
    RipCityRevival
    Posts: 683

    Posted 08/25/2010 10:16 AM

    I have a hard time seeing Gallinari as better than Batum, and I am unsure that Deng is better at this point either, but he is comparable. Of that list, I could see Batum moving up to 11 possibly stretching into number 10 but not likely. After this coming season, I could see him breaking fully into the top 10 though.
    I am a fan of #20 in the rafters, but #1 in our hearts and prayers...The Enforcer
  1. RipCityRevival
    RipCityRevival
    Posts: 683

    Posted 08/25/2010 10:16 AM

    I have a hard time seeing Gallinari as better than Batum, and I am unsure that Deng is better at this point either, but he is comparable. Of that list, I could see Batum moving up to 11 possibly stretching into number 10 but not likely. After this coming season, I could see him breaking fully into the top 10 though.
    I am a fan of #20 in the rafters, but #1 in our hearts and prayers...The Enforcer
  1. DHawes22
    DHawes22
    Posts: 6481

    Posted 08/25/2010 11:45 AM

    Posted By Alex on 08/24/2010 4:51 PM
    I mean if you asked the any team in the nba, If they had to choose to give a 5 years max contract to either Paul pierce or Nic Batum. I think Batum would be the one thay'd give it too. Because of the skill level he's at and his potential. I mean batum hasnt reached his prime yet. so he definetly should be ranked a little bit higher.

    I don't think this list has anything to do with age or contract. It is strictly based on talent for the upcoming season.
    I am a fan of
  1. commontongue
    commontongue
    Posts: 1439

    Posted 08/25/2010 12:04 PM

    I think Nic should have one of the spots occupied by Deng, Ganilliari, and Kirilenko. He , in my opinion should be seventh on the list. Deng or Danillo should be eleventh.
    I am a fan of Rip City Basketball
  1. FamousRoy
    FamousRoy
    Posts: 144

    Posted 08/25/2010 3:49 PM

    Ten seems about right.  Gallinari is awful. I'd put him at about 20th.  Maggette can't play defense, and the only reason Gay's any good is because he's on the run n gun Grizz.  Batum is unquestionably underrated; his shot is very reliable, it has range, and he's more than just a "good defender."  He can guard anyone at any position; he can guard LeBron, Kobe, Dirk, and Chris Paul.  That's valuable right there.

    Also, why is the Truth listed at seventh?  He should be fourth.  Iguodala is crap.
    I am a fan of Defending the Rose Garden against the Lakers!
  1. Hopman27
    Hopman27
    Posts: 86

    Posted 08/25/2010 10:27 PM

    At first glance, I would say Top 10, thinking of all the other SF off the top of my head.  I voted 11-15 just to add in that "cushion".  Guess I was right.  But I agree with ya, he will be Top 10 very soon.
    I am a fan of
  1. Bertram
    Bertram
    Posts: 803

    Posted 08/26/2010 10:35 AM

    He's not top 10 yet. He's somewhere between 13-16...I'm going to have to put Trevor Ariza in front of him right now. He can put the ball on the floor and get to the rim plus defend. I believe at this point Ariza is the better defender.
    I am a fan of B-Roy and LaMonster!
  1. cransford24
    cransford24
    Posts: 269

    Posted 08/26/2010 3:55 PM

    Ariza and Artest are better and Kirlienko and Gallinari both are worse, so I think this list put Nic at the correct spot.  He is good but not top ten yet,  also really all he does on offense is spot up and hit threes, he will have to expand his game offensively before he passes guys like paul pierce.  Also thats ridiculous that they have Gallinari ahead of Artest and Ariza.  Gallinari is like a worse defensively version of Batum.  Also Artest is arguably the best wing defensive player in the entire nba, and at the very least top 5 best wing defender in the nba, so thats insane that he's not even top ten on this list.  Whoever made this list really needs to revise 10-15, but the top ten is pretty accurate.
    I am a fan of the Blazers draft selections. Feels good to finally be able to say that
  1. Bertram
    Bertram
    Posts: 803

    Posted 08/26/2010 11:09 PM

    I'd have to put kirilenko ahead of Batum right now. He does EVERYTHING.
    I am a fan of B-Roy and LaMonster!
  1. ClydeFrog
    ClydeFrog
    Posts: 975

    Posted 08/30/2010 4:09 PM

    Nico is really improving at the Worlds, playing like a top 5 player over in Turkey right now. I really hope he has more of a role in the offense next year instead of just spotting up in the corner, waiting for the ball.
    I am a fan of Watching Elliot Williams Take Flight!
  1. TayC
    TayC
    Posts: 1804

    Posted 09/04/2010 6:14 PM

    hahah, yea theres no way Batum is Top 10 material, you guys are getting carried away. 
    Its hard to see him in a top 10 when LBJ occupies spots 1-10
    I am a fan of The Blazers ♂, the £-Train, and of course, The ¤ King. ™
  1. mariuszkoludek
    mariuszkoludek
    Posts: 192

    Posted 09/05/2010 12:27 PM

    For me he is close to top 10 but he should still  work hard to get there, he is young and talented player big career is open ... ! 
    I am a fan of Portland Trail Blazers, RIP CITY !!!
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