For Blazers fans, The 2009-2010 NBA season was a sick joke.Not because the team played poorly.Not because they didn't play as well as they thought they could have.But because the players that were set to have a break out season disappeared.Because Major injuries to Batum, Outlaw, Oden, Pryzbilla, Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
Fernandez forced them all to miss significant time.But that's not the point.Before the 2009-2010 NBA season, Blazer Fans heard that Nicolas Batum had been playing spectacularly for the French National team.He had gained 20 pounds, he developed a mid-range jumper, he was full of confidence, and he was ready to make things happen in the NBA.Then the news came. Batum had a torn Labrum in his right shoulder and was set to have surgery the next day. A week before opening night.Let's do some recapping...Batum was drafted 25th overall out of France (Le Mans) where he had been playing professionally since he was 17. He was a defensive threat more than anything else, and needed to develop a mid-range jumper."One guy I can tell you about is Nicolas Batum. Teams are apparently worried about drafting Batum because of a possible heart ailment; I'd recommend avoiding him for other reasonslike the fact that he can't play, for instance..."That is what John Hollinger had to say about Nicolas Batum, before he was drafted.I'm sure Mr. Hollinger would like to Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
swallow his words, but as a matter a fact, he was right. Batum was set to be in the D league, playing for the Idaho Stampede. With three small forwards already on the roster, there was no place for Batum.Well, thats what coach Nate Mcmillan thought.Batum went on to start in 76 games, averaging five points and three rebounds a game.But that was last season. What I want to point out is that Batum has a chance to be something special. He has the chance to be Brandon Roy's sidekick. Like Jordan's sidekick was Scottie Pippen, and the comparisons don't stop there.Batum's rookie season averages of 5.4 points, one assist, and three rebounds is eerily similar to Pippen's rookie season (seven points, 1.5 assists, and four rebounds). Both playing major roles on defense with those long, lanky arms.Pippen played a huge role in all of the championship seasons he had, taking some pressure off of Jordan and being able to guard the opposing teams best player. He could play three positions and was athletic as heck.That is Batum in a nutshell.If the Blazers want to be a consistent threat to go to the NBA finals they are going to need Batum.Greg Oden, when drafted, was supposed to be the guy that put them over the top. He was the Blazer's savior. I don't disagree. You need a post presence to win it all. But what is rarely valued Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
more than scoring is the ability to shut down the Kobes of the league.Batum is the most versatile player on the Blazers roster and the fourth pillar of the young Blazers team.Roy, Aldridge, Oden, and Batum.When it is all said and done, Batum will be the second best player for the Blazers team.If not, the most important.Let's just hope that God doesn't pull anymore jokes. Because that joke has run out.
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