French Connection?

by FreshmakerDTM on Jan 26, 2012 9:14 AM CST

So the Blazers didn't extend Batum. What are the chances he ends up in a Spurs uniform next year?

Can the Spurs amnesty RJ's contract at the end of the year to make room for Batum? Duncans huge salary won't be as huge if he re-signs too.

This kid has been buried on the Portland bench but when he gets minutes, he produces on both ends of the court.

not to mention he should already have some chemistry playing with Tony...

Just a thought. So, what do you guys think? Oui ou non?

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Yes, I’ve heard of this idea somewhere inside one of the Blazers threads and it’s sound, but the fact that Portland can match makes this very unlikely.

by Outkastprince on Jan 26, 2012 12:20 PM CST reply actions

While I would love Batum, I feel like we need a solid big man over another 3.

"If the NBA season is a marathon, Gregg Popovich is a full-blooded Kenyan."

-Timothy Varner 48MoH

by Jordan Leithart on Jan 26, 2012 12:53 PM CST reply actions

Well, Spurs have some decisions to make.

They did not extend Anderson
Green is a free agent
RJ has the amnesty….

Winter is coming

by grego21 on Jan 26, 2012 1:04 PM CST up reply actions

what solid bigs do you have in mind?

by FreshmakerDTM on Jan 26, 2012 1:49 PM CST up reply actions

I agree with this a lot.

by Manuwar on Jan 26, 2012 6:12 PM CST up reply actions

He’s an average player that has shown only marginal improvement since he joined the league. Short term we’re better sticking with RJ, long term Batum would be the better option.

Cinnamon and sugary as softly spoken lies, you never know just how you look through other peoples' eyes

by SpursfanSteve on Jan 26, 2012 1:03 PM CST reply actions

Since Spurs have a lot of decision making as far as their wings go, that “long term” Batum idea isn’t that long term…

Winter is coming

by grego21 on Jan 26, 2012 1:05 PM CST up reply actions

Depending on what happens with the Spurs and all their wings (De’Sean Butler has been playing with the Toros as well), he’d be a good pick up.

Spurs need bigs more than anything, but Lorbek is likely going to be over (he’ll be late 27/28 next season). Now or never, pretty much.

Batum, although he’s a 3, is tall. Like Leonard, you see the usefulness in taller wings as opposed to shorter wings like Hill (made the most of his size, but he can’t make himself longer. Neither can Blair).

Since Leonard is getting used to the 2 position this season along with 3 and 4, imagine a lineup with Leonard/Batum. That is a lot of length in height/jumping ability/wing span.

That said, I don’t feel they’ll move RJ to amnesty if his value stays similar to this beginning of the season in the post season.

Winter is coming

by grego21 on Jan 26, 2012 1:31 PM CST reply actions

Mentos! Yeah, I’d like to see Batum play for the Spurs, but I don’t see that happening with they depth we currently have on the wings. If we lose RJ, Green or somebody in that mold he wouldn’t be a horrible option.

by Big50 on Jan 26, 2012 4:20 PM CST reply actions

The problem is none of the wings, aside from Manu and Leonard (pretty strong), are sure things to be on next years roster… That depth might be short lived, unfortunately.

Winter is coming

by grego21 on Jan 26, 2012 4:38 PM CST up reply actions

You said that about Green this year. I’d be shocked if he wasn’t around next year, although it’s probably a bit early to start predicting that.

Cinnamon and sugary as softly spoken lies, you never know just how you look through other peoples' eyes

by SpursfanSteve on Jan 26, 2012 6:08 PM CST up reply actions

I was a big proponent of Green since last year, both here and else where. Nothing else changed on that. I watched him at UNC. I think he’s at about his ceiling, but I like those abilities.

It depends how much he can command and how much Spurs want to pay. I think he should be back, but money will decide that one. If money wasn’t the issue and it was just pure “yes vs. no” he’d be a shoe in. But then it goes back to how much attention he gets. If it’s a deep playoff run then, he’s definitely getting eyes on him.

Heck, I don’t even mention Neal as a lock either since it’s all up in the air, for the most part.

Winter is coming

by grego21 on Jan 26, 2012 6:14 PM CST up reply actions

I should add…

When I say at his ceiling, I think he can refine what he currently has to become a better player, but I don’t expect him to be show more than this. Just a more consistent version of himself, which is damn good. Not as good as Bowen (on defense) and not as awesome as Manu (all around), but has a bit of both their games…

Blair has a higher ceiling, but he’s way further from realizing a lot of it. Green although I think he’s closer, has shown a lot of it. Now it just takes practice to refine it.

Winter is coming

by grego21 on Jan 26, 2012 6:16 PM CST up reply actions

Not a fan of Batum. He’s been sitting pretty for quite sometime based on potential, and he’s maddeningly inconsistent. Like a Richard Jefferson, only younger.

I would like to get a little more inside, myself -- Pau Gasol

by silverandblack_davis on Jan 26, 2012 6:56 PM CST reply actions

(except RJ’s stats have been better every year except for one, if I remember right)

Cinnamon and sugary as softly spoken lies, you never know just how you look through other peoples' eyes

by SpursfanSteve on Jan 26, 2012 7:11 PM CST up reply actions

But I agree with your general point for sure ;)

Cinnamon and sugary as softly spoken lies, you never know just how you look through other peoples' eyes

by SpursfanSteve on Jan 26, 2012 7:11 PM CST up reply actions

Give him a Kidd or Nash and he’ll be great!

I would like to get a little more inside, myself -- Pau Gasol

by silverandblack_davis on Jan 26, 2012 7:21 PM CST up reply actions

exactly

Not to mention playing more up tempo like R.J. did for a good portion of his younger career. Blazers are playing a little faster than what they usually do this year but still not run and gun.

The guy is a good defender and can do a decent amount of things well. I think he would be great with us but like somebody else stated I prefer a 4 or 5

One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.

by gunnin' gervin on Jan 27, 2012 11:54 PM CST up reply actions

I like Batum and think he is better than every wing outside of Manu on our team. I would love to see him, Manu and Leonard doing damage next year together on our Spurs.

One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.

by gunnin' gervin on Jan 27, 2012 11:52 PM CST reply actions