kekgeek1 wrote:KiwiMatt wrote:I'm surprised Nic Batum isn't getting more love. He's exactly the type of player we need.
I was a huge nic Batum guy and still love him but it comes down to what you think about lavine. I think lavine will be an all star one day, so I want him to continue to start. And Batum is not coming here to come off the bench
I think LaVine is destined to be an All Star, but people are quick to forget he is only 21 years old. He's still 3 years away from potentially knocking on the All Star door. With Batum on the roster LaVine would be our 6th man, but still get 30 mpg. I might be on my own when I say this, but I still see LaVine playing minutes at the point. Infact I'd like to see him get all the minutes at PG when Rubio subs out and most (if not all) the minute behind Wigs at the 2.
A starting lineup of Rubio / Wiggins / Batum / Towns / Dieng has insane potential on both ends of the court. Defensively Thibs could makes this group effective from day 1. Batum also gives the starting lineup some much needed leadership and maturity, yet is still only 27 years old and arguably still in his prime. In addition he adds size, perimeter defense, outside shooting, legit ball handling and passing skills and a high basketball IQ - all of which we have sorely lacked on the wing. With that lineup we make playoffs.
Im not suggesting a 5 year max. 3 years 54 - 60 mil with team option in final year, allowing flexibility to keep our core together.
MPG
Rubio (34) / LaVine (14)
Wiggins (20) / LaVine (18)
Batum (32) / Wiggins (16)
Towns (30 / Bjelica (18)
Dieng (30) / Towns (6) / Garnett (12)