Seriously though, Batum was the biggest reason I was trying to get into the 3rd. This guy is the most underrated player in the league, and he's easily a top 5 SF in my eyes. I mean, the kid is [REDACTED] with a smoother offensive game. He's already recorded the first 5x5 since [REDACTED]. And he's just 24?! There are guys in the 2nd I would take Batum over.
Worthy third round pick, but we've now seen GMs singing the praises of Aldridge, Lillard AND Batum. So why were the Trailblazers a lottery team?
Worst bench in the league last year. Would've been .500 with a capable bench.
So it's all Joel Freeland's fault, huh? Jerks.
To do better than .500, their starters would've had to do more:
(1) Their non-Aldridge starting big man (unnamed since yet to be selected) was one of the weaker starting bigs in the league. This was the biggest area for improvement.
(2) Their two backcourt players were both middle of the pack starters. Lillard should take a nice step forward next season as he betters his defense (poor) and continues to improve his floor general skills (work in progress). The other unnamed (unselected guy) guard is what he is (stagnant).
(3) Batum a bit above par (amongst starting SFs).
(4) Aldridge only high level starter
But their starters had enough to be .500 with a good bench ... instead they were anchored by having one of the worst reserve units in the league. So I blame the bench. I'd estimate their bench cost them 7-10 wins.
Topic: 2013 CB Draft : Draft Thread : VOTING ENDS 8:00PM EST TONIGHT (Read 1011492 times)