French NBA players 2008-09

[JGX]

http://www.columbian.com/article/20081013/SPORTS01/810129974

Every time Nate McMillan appeared ready to finish a list of different things he likes about rookie Nicolas Batum on Sunday, the Portland Trail Blazers coach came up with something new.

McMillan started with different aspects of Batum’s defense — quick feet, length and good instincts. Then he added comments about Batum’s unselfish nature, the energy he brings to the floor and his activity around the basket. McMillan said likes Batum’s passing ability, court vision and potential of his shooting ability.

In other words, McMillan is seeing a lot more in Batum than anybody expected this early in his career.

“He’s got a feel for the game,” McMillan said. “Once he’s knocking down the shot consistently, I think he’s a forward you can start.”

[damelo]

Oh, no! Once again, a French guy going early in the NBA after one good season here with a chance to make it as a starter...

Well, we will have to create a special formation for EL now...

It's not a real surprise, but still, I don't expect him getting too much time on the court. With Webster and Fernandez sidelined, maybe, but what when they will come back?

[raph]

He won't compete with rudy for a spot (who should be most likely the 6th man for Portland), mainly with outlaw & webster. Webster is sidelined for about 8 weeks which means batum might have some decent minutes till december +/-. Then we will see (a lot will depend on how he behaves in the official games)

What's interesting though is that he seems to have regained some confidence in his shoot and in his driving skill (prolly the result of his physical & mental work already). If he manages to stick with his all around play and to keep good performances he might definitely stay in the roster & have decent playtime this season.

On a side note, he could do very well in association with sergio.

[damelo]

He won't compete with rudy for a spot (who should be most likely the 6th man for Portland), mainly with outlaw & webster. Webster is sidelined for about 8 weeks which means batum might have some decent minutes till december +/-. Then we will see (a lot will depend on how he behaves in the official games)

What's interesting though is that he seems to have regained some confidence in his shoot and in his driving skill (prolly the result of his physical & mental work already). If he manages to stick with his all around play and to keep good performances he might definitely stay in the roster & have decent playtime this season.

On a side note, he could do very well in association with sergio.

Sergio, Rudy and Batum on the same 5 could be quite refreshing for the international game in the NBA. That would be interesting, because it would be athletically enough to compete with most of the American guys.

[raph]

Btw he's also rumored to draw girl's interest. Quite funny to read a few forums/blogs related to the Blazers in regards to that point.

ps : Thanks for the link jgx btw, i was used to mostly read oregonlive news (we got a Portland fan on our forum who is posting regulary to keep us informed about how he's doing in the team) when i wanted info about how Batum was improving over there, now i got another source

[JGX]

Batum will begin the season in the starting lineup, although I suspect that Rudy and Outlaw will play more minutes.

[Charbel Sakr]

Batum will begin the season in the starting lineup, although I suspect that Rudy and Outlaw will play more minutes.

Batum starting really? i dont think so but we'll see tonight

[damelo]

http://www.lnbtv.net/?video=ClipBatum.wmv

lnb.tv's clip on Batum. From last years televised games.

[raph]

Mc Millan wants to keep rudy & sergio + outlaw together in the "second unit". So with webster's injury that does not leave a lot of choices.

His role will be limited anyway as he's supposed to stick with defense on the wing, blocking shots, grabing a few rebound & basically give the ball to roy, oden & co. Cept if he has an open shot to take. He could do a decent job as people won't look so much at him (which is still a major weakness as we saw in the last preparation games) though his playtime will be short (& even shorter if he's not agressive)

[JGX]

McMillan changed his mind and decided to start Outlaw:

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2008/10/breaking_news_mcmillan_changes.html

Batum hasn't appeared at all so far...condsidering how poor the Blazers look that might be a good thing.

[damelo]

Finally 3 minutes, 1-1 shooting, and 3 rebounds.

[krikit]

12pts 1reb 1ast 1stl 2blks against Spurs in 21 minutes. Very solid game, good defense and passing.

[raph]

I hope mc millan will keep him on the bench for now, he proved he could bring good things and the "starting 5" makes me fear he could vanish from pressure once again.
As long as he's not on people's attention he can really perform well.

Glad he blocked parker muahaha (bonus was the one on duncan even if it came 1st).

We shall see if he can still "steal" some minutes to the other backcourt rookies (mostly bayless though as rudy deserves quite some minutes), we 're couple weeks away from webster's come back, the point is to secure a spot in the rotation at the wing for the whole season (and hopefully the PO as well).

On the side note, it seems that blazers's fans wants to call him "crazy88". As long as it does not turn into "lazy88" we're ok ^^

[Khalid80]

12pts 1reb 1ast 1stl 2blks against Spurs in 21 minutes. Very solid game, good defense and passing.

I agree. Very descent performance by the young French man. I hope he keeps playing like this early on in the season so that he can be part of the regular rotation on the team. (Portland has some great young prospects and will be one of the most exciting teams to watch for the next few years to come).

[rikhardur]

French NBA players 2008-09

Mickaël Piétrus playing his second game of the season and again scoring 20 points as the Magic beat the Kings.