Our 2022-2023 player season preview series continues with the versatile veteran, Nicolas Batum.
Basic lnformation
Height: 6’8
Weight: 230 pound
Position: Small forward/Power forward/Center
Age: 33
Years in NBA: 14
Key Stats: 8.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.0 steals in 24.8 minutes per game over 59 games played with shooting splits of 46.3/40.0/65.8.
Contract Status: Second year of a two year, $22,554,168 contract paying $11,710,818 this season.
Expectations
The expectation for Nicolas Batum is the same as it’s been since he’s been a Clipper: provide veteran leadership while being able to knock down the open jumper and play solid defense.
His role has changed a little bit over the past couple of seasons, however. In Tyronn Lue’s small ball lineups, Batum has found himself playing the four and even the five. And he’s done it admirably. His play at center was a big part of the Clippers 2021 playoff series win over the Dallas Mavericks.
Nicolas Batum will be counted on to do the same thing in the 2023 season, i.e. space the floor in small ball lineups and find his opportunities where he can. He’ll also most likely get reduced minutes throughout the season to keep him fresh.
Strengths
Batum is one of the better three-point shooters on the roster and he’s been a solid marksman throughout his entire career. He’s a career 36.3 percent shooter from distance and the last two years with the Clippers he’s enjoyed some of his best shooting years from beyond the arc. He’s always ready when the kick out comes his way and he’s knocked down some clutch ones too.
Defensively, Batum has always been a capable wing defender using his length and quickness to disrupt opposing offensive players. In recent years, he’s slowed down a little bit, but his strength has given him the ability to defend bigger players at the four and five. He might not be out chasing quicker wings so much anymore, but his combination of strength and size allows him to still be an effective defender.
Batum is solid rebounder too on both ends of the court. He gets himself in proper position and helps keep possessions alive, something that’s needed on this Clippers’ roster.
Weaknesses
There’s not much to say about Batum’s weaknesses. He plays his role to perfection and doesn’t stray too far from what he’s good at. His last year in Charlotte there were questions about his durability, but he’s been available for the Clippers. He was essentially left for dead after the Hornets bought out his contract but he’s had a strong resurgence in LA.
If anything, hitting his mid-30’s he might start slowing down a little bit, but Batum keeps himself in great shape and stayed fresh this summer playing for the French National team.
Summary
Expect Batum to continue his role as veteran all-around player who can start if need be. He’s played point guard before and his playmaking is pretty solid for a wing. He said he’s watched a lot of Boris Diaw and Draymond Green footage to learn how to adjust to playing a dual playmaker/small ball four/five role he’s been tasked with.
Batum’s presence and skill are key to the different lineups the Clippers can throw out on the court, and he will be critical for any championship run.
