A great man once wrote that winning is the ultimate deodorant.
Even Travis Outlaw would have to agree.
If Portland were 2-1 heading into Utah on Wednesday evening, chances are he’d still be the starting small forward on this young season. But since the Blazers need a more defensive presence at 1-2 and rank among one of the smelliest teams defensively in the league at this time, Nate McMillan made the executive decision on Tuesday to name Nicolas Batum his starting three.
Actually Outlaw should be thanking McMillan for the move. Travis should also be buying Nicolas dinner.
Let me explain.
If it wasn’t for Nicolas stepping up on the defensive end for Portland, Outlaw wouldn’t be returning to a role he’s clearly more suited for and should easily own once again. It’s like this: the second unit should belong to Travis, just as much as it does to Rudy Fernandez right now. And the energy the second unit should bring will only showcase Outlaw’s abilities that much more. They got lost in the starting lineup. They’ll standout more in the “white unit.”
What will be even more interesting to see is what transpires once Martell Webster eventually returns from his foot injury. How does McMillan spread the minutes around then? Where does Batum and Outlaw fall on the depth chart? That’s down the road a ways, but a realistic topic we’re sure to have again.
Let’s stick to the now.
The other day, I posed the poll question: When will Rudy start? I should have clarified the meaning – how long before Rudy starts at the two, thus leaving Brandon Roy to slide over to the three? You got the drift regardless. In fact, the majority of you said “not before Nicolas.” You were right on.
Was that response due to late voter turnout? Or are Blazer fans simply standing in awe of this kid three games into the season?
Chances are you are seeing the same thing Nate is. Stand away.
pic via: daylife
Well Batum is definitely leaving people a little in awe lately and i hope he can continue. Personally i like the move (“again”) to put Batum in the starting lineup. Him and Rudy are the major hustle guys getting loose balls and if we split them up then we can have high energy on both units. Just like someone with “the black death,” (R.I.P. 1/3 of Europe at the time) hustle and energy on the court can spread to everyone in contact with it. Beat Utah!!!
what’s up will….always good to hear from you brother. i never thought we’d be talking about nicolas like this – at least not this early at least. greg – yeah. jerryd – yes. rudy – for sure. but nic? i don’t care if he never scores against utah tonight. if he can make a couple steals, block a couple of shots and stay active on “d”, then it’s all good.