Nov.. 16, 2011; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers small forward Nicolas Batum (88) blocks the shot of Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) during the first quarter of the game at the Rose Garden. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

Today, the NBA released the All-Defensive Teams for the 2012-2013 season. LeBron James, Serge Ibaka, Tony Allen, Chris Paul, Tyson Chandler and Joakim Noah comprised the All-Defensive First Team (Chandler and Noah in a tie), while the All-Defensive Second Team was made up of Tim Duncan, Paul George, Avery Bradley, Mike Conley, and perhaps interestingly, Defensive Player of the Year Marc Gasol.

Only one Blazer received any votes this year, and that was forward Nicolas Batum, with just one First Team vote.

As a team, the Blazers were nothing special defensively this year. By the numbers, the Blazers ranked 28th in the league  in steals, 26th in blocks, 28th in opponent field goal percentage, and 26th in defensive efficiency. Their struggles largely stemmed from a lack of tall, defensive big men to clog up and enforce the paint, as well as a roster that largely featured average or below average defenders.

On a subpar defensive team, Batum really was the best defensive player for the Blazers this season. He earned the lone All-Defensive Team vote that he received.

Batum averaged 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks in the regular season, stats that only two other players (Kevin Durant and Josh Smith) in the NBA were able to top. While those numbers don’t scream “difference-maker” the same way Serge Ibaka’s 3.0 blocks or Chris Paul’s 2.4 steals do, they’re exactly the kind of versatile numbers you love to see from your small forward defensively. On the floor, Batum was regularly guarding the best perimeter players, and was relied upon to act as a defensive stopper.

One such example of this (and personally one of my favorites) was the game against the Miami Heat on January 10th. Batum spent a lot of time guarding both LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Both struggled greatly, and that was one of perhaps two key reasons why the Blazers won that game (the other being clutch threes, but the defense allowed the Blazers to stay in it). Due in large part to Batum (and Wesley Matthews, to a lesser extent), LeBron James and Dwyane Wade were only able to combine for 33 points on 12-of-34 shooting, snapping LeBron’s streak of scoring more than 20 points in 33 straight games.

Looking at Batum, he has all the tools to succeed. He has the length with a wingspan of over 7 feet, and he puts it to good use with his agility and instincts to create steals and blocks and all other sorts of trouble for the opposing offenses. Batum’s length and athleticism were what made him such a tantalizing prospect when he was drafted, and he’s certainly proved to be a worthy selection.

With that in mind, only one vote for Batum?

Yep. Batum offers steals and blocks at a rate you don’t often see, and his numerous deflections and shot contests can’t even be tracked on the box score. However, in spite of the skills he has, Batum is far from a polished product defensively, the same way the All-Defensive Team players are. Batum still has work to do on his defensive fundamentals–the mental side of defense.

With his length, Batum has grown used to playing a little loose from the ball so that he has more space with which to create steals or blocks. However, that comes at the cost of pressuring or playing “suffocating” defense on a ball-handler or an open shooter. You would like to see Batum ramp up the intensity at times. Scorers like Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, and Kobe Bryant have collectively averaged 31.4 points against the Blazers with Batum in the lineup. Batum needs to be able to hold those types of players in order to be considered a premier defender in the league.

Noted defensive talents like Shane Battier, Kawhi Leonard, and Dwyane Wade all finished with 2 points in the voting, the same as Batum. That’s not bad company to be in. Batum is still only 24, and still has loads of potential. If he makes the necessary improvements (and knowing Batum, it’d be surprising if he didn’t), he could definitely make the All-Defensive Team later in his career. Certainly, he’ll be earning more than just one vote.

@THEkevinyeung | @ripcityproject

March 2, 2013; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum (88) pleads his case to NBA referee Scott Twardoski during the first half of the Trail Blazers-Minnesota Timberwolves game at the Rose Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Nicolas Batum will once again join the French National Team this summer. It was speculated that his tradition could be disrupted this year due to the superior labral tear that kept him out of the last 8 games of Portland’s season. Although he will not be resting up this offseason as some had hoped, it is still a very positive sign for Batum and the Blazers.

It is the most absolute confirmation to date that Batum’s shoulder will not require surgery. Even if he did need it, he would likely not be forced to miss any of the regular season, but he would certainly lose valuable time to improve over the summer. The standard recovery time after surgical repair of the labrum is 4-6 weeks for the cartilage to heal, and 4-6 weeks more for it to then reach full strength. Nicolas has not only dodged a 2-3 month bullet, he has found himself in a position to get extra practice.

The only concern here is that he might over-do it. Tears, strains, and sprains are nothing to be trifled with. Chicago fans know all too well how a few minor injuries can become one big one (my condolences). Luckily, Batum is not under the same sort of pressure at this time, but it is always a bit unnerving when an athlete opts to play through pain. We’ll have to take it on good faith that Batum and his doctors know what’s what before he takes the floor for France in July.

Nicolas is one of the most well-rounded players in the league, and it is good to see him recovering so quickly. The only other player in the NBA to average a block, a steal, and a 3 all season was named Kevin Durant. Batum certainly has areas to work on (sloppy passing, off the ball movement, on the ball movement), but his versatility is the glue that holds the Blazers together. It looks as if, barring any bizarre setbacks, he will be 100% of his old self soon enough; maybe even better.

@davidmackaypdx | @ripcityproject | davidmackaypdx@gmail.com

March 2, 2013; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum (88) blocks Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jose Barea

Portland small forward, Nicolas Batum had his shoulder (labral tear) reevaluated on Monday, and unfortunately for the Blazers, is unlikely to take the court against the Lakers on Wednesday. This comes as a blow to the struggling Blazers, who have been battling to keep their players healthy while the season winds down. Batum brings so much to Portland that it is hard to envision a scenario in which Victor Claver could adequately make up for his absence, but until further notice, it looks like he’ll have to try.

See, Nicolas is arguably Portland’s best defender. LaMarcus may best him in the post, but Nicolas is great at the perimeter, in transition, and in the lane. His aggressive play and amazing wingspan (7’4”) make him one of the most difficult players in the league to pass under pressure. Batum leads the Blazers with 91 steals, despite missing four (soon to be five) games this season. Without him, the Blazers are vulnerable to the fast break and any team with halfway decent ball movement.

Of course, his contributions are not exclusive to defense. Nicolas is Portland’s 3^rd leading scorer and trails only point guard, Damian Lillard, in assists per game. When Batum is on, Portland tends to come away with the win. The Blazers have won 58% of games in which Batum scored more than 15 points, compared to the 39% in which he did not. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, create opportunities for his teammates, and find the open man is essential to Portland’s success.

He’s also fantastic in a pinch. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but Batum prefers to shoot his threes off-balance. He is the catch and shoot dream every team needs in a tight spot. So where does that leave Portland without him? Wesley Matthews? Normally yes, but Wes is out with a right ankle sprain. Luke Babbitt? Hardly. Luke’s hot streak is as gone as he will be, come summer time. The Blazers really have just one clutch 3 point threat right now; Damian Lillard. So what happens if the Blazers find themselves in need of a hoist in the final seconds? You can bet with just one option it won’t be an open look.

The silver lining of Nicolas’ respite is much needed playing time for Portland’s blossoming rookies. Will Barton and Victor Claver will be the primary beneficiaries, but I would be surprised (albeit pleasantly) if they can hold up against the Lakers tomorrow. Nicolas Batum is like a nice rug; he really ties the room together. Portland won’t be quite right without him in the lineup. Just hope the healthy remainders can rally together until he Nicolas retakes the court.

@davidmackaypdx | @ripcityproject | davidmackaypdx@gmail.com