I like Batum and targeted him in all of my drafts, but there are people who love him and I’m not there yet.

If your FLOOR for Harden is that statline… I have no idea why you wouldn’t take him #1 overall. I can’t even imagine what your Bron or KD statline is.

Batum – Like I said, I like him. I just don’t like your floor as Top 35. I could easily see him Top 50 if he’s scoring less and has and worse %’s.

Batum was a top 35 player last year and top 50 the year prior. last year he only averaged 30 minutes per game and had to deal with a bad coach, bad system, older vets getting minutes in his place, and felton and jamal crawford as the “pg”. Don’t overvalue points and undervalue defense/turnovers in roto leagues, where being deficient in any category can cost you a title. I agree batum isn’t going to score 20 ppg, but 16-18 ppg with good percentages and low TOs, 1.5 3s, 1 steal, 1 block, 6 reb, 2-3 assists can go a long way.

as for the beard, Harden was a top 25 last year in 31 mpg. he will definitely increase his points, assists, and rebounds playing 35-40 minutes a night, and still can contribute +steals and +3s. He is an outstanding FT shooter, and while i agree his FG will take a slight dip, i don’t think it will be substantial as he gets a bunch of open looks and layups (using his 3 step euro-move). plus, there aren’t that many really good defensive sgs. harden has a legit chance to lead the league in scoring, and contributes well across the board (except TOs, but all the top guys are negative in this category due to usage). barring injury, if he doesn’t end up a top 10 player this year, i’d be absolutely shocked. I’m not saying i would take him over paul, but he’d be my 4th pick (if klove was healthy for full year, i’d consider love or harden @4). a very high floor is a good thing in the early rounds. i’d say his floor is around a line of:
26+ ppg, 5+ reb, 5+ assists, 47% FG, 85% FT, 2+ 3s, 1.5 – 2 steals, .5 blocks, with bad turnovers