No, I didn't say that. Its just that he's not my first choice. But if you do sign him, I think you have to take everything into consideration, like his age etc. The last thing this team needs to do, is sign an aging vetrean to a contract over 2 years for a lot of money and then not have him perform up to the standards you expected. Remember, all your looking to get from Battier is above average defense at the SF position, and sometimes the SG position. And, the ability to hit the open shot when needed. So can he do that, and if so, for how much longer?
His production the last two years has declined slightly, but not enough to throw up any red flags. His production since the trade has dramaticly declined, but that probably has more to do with unfamiliarity than anything else. Another question you always have to ask, is will playing in another system affect his results. He's always been a durable player, so we know he takes care of his body. Bottom line, is that anytime you sign an older player your taking a gamble. If the player is a spot up shooter, then the gamble is less. Especially if surrounded by other good offensive players. If the player is someone that relies on his athletic skills to perform, then I think you have to be more careful.
Look how quickly Mitch Richmond went from elite, to below average. It does happen.