Time for more PT for rookies

Ok, well the Blazers are 1-2 on this young season and look like a team trying to find their identity.  To be fair, they have run into three teams most likely to make the playoffs this season.  The schedule doesn't get any easier as they face the Jazz in Utah on Wednesday and come home to host the Rockets on Thursday.

 This is a great test for this Portland team.  Their record might not be what they want, but they have shown things that were not expected yet.  The play of Rudy Fernandez and Nicolas Batum almost make Portlanders forget about that other rookie...ol' what's his name.  Fernandez continues to impress with his calm matter and his ability to somehow find a way to put the ball in the basket.  His defense was originally criticized before the season began, but really has not caused a problem throughout the season.  He may not be spectacular, and take too many risks on defense, but it has not caused Coach Nate McMillan to look for a replacement.

After watching Batum and Jerryd Bayless in summer league, anyone outside of the loony bin would have put all their money down on the fact that Bayless would receive more playing time this year.  Batum looked lost and tentative in summer play, while Bayless looked fearless and passionate.  Well the roles have reversed so far this season.  Batum has shown more range than I thought he would have at this point in his young career.  He is cut in the mold of a young Scottie Pippen.  He is long, lanky and anticipates very well.  He could at some point in his career lead the league in steals.

Portland needs to capitalize on their young talent and put a team that creates more chemistry than their starting lineup is providing at this point.  I like the idea of starting Batum and having Travis Outlaw and Fernandez come off the bench to provide more offense for the second unit.  Batum can be that defensive playmaker who doesn't need a lot of shots, while Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge can look for their shots more with the first unit.  A simple change like this could change the ways of their season, and it might be very important with such a tough schedule ahead.