Strength coach Bobby Medina has been working with Blazers rookie Nicolas Batum, and he sees a lot of success in his future.

"Nic has been a pro (in Europe) for three years, but the strength is all new to him," Medina said. "He has bought into it, and you can see a big change in his body."

Batum will spend some time in France this summer playing with the French national team, which consists of Tony Parker, Boris Diaw, Ronnie Turiaf, Joakim Noah and Mikael Pietrus.

Medina will be sent overseas at some point to work with Batum.

"I'd like to plug into him and help him take the next step to build for next season," Medina said. "In a lot of ways, he reminds me of Scottie Pippen. Scottie had a lean body and worked hard and built himself up. Nic has a lot of that same athletic ability. He just doesn't have the strength yet."

Via Portland Tribune

Portland Trail Blazers

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