LA Clippers Players Exceeding Expectations: Nicolas Batum
There are incredibly low exceptions for many, if not all, of the veterans who are signed to a minimum contract. Forward Nicolas Batum was signed by the Clippers after being released by the Charlotte Hornets following a disastrous season last year where he played in 22 games, averaging 3.6 points per game.
There was some hope that Batum would become an efficient role player for the LA Clippers like he was for Charlotte in the 2018-2019 NBA season. From the first game of the season for the Clippers, Batum brought a form of consistency and efficient playing ability that surprised all of Clipper Nation.
Fans were encouraged by the flow of offensive production that Batum brings to the Clippers even without him needing to score. He is highly efficient in facilitating scoring situations, establishing solid transitions, and he even contributes to the team on the defensive end of the court.
While Batum isn’t a player that will light up the scoreboard night-in and night-out for the Clippers, his presence on-the-court and off-the-court brings a similar level of intensity to the one that Marcus Morris Sr. brings to the team. Batum was highly productive for Los Angeles while Morris was out with a knee injury.
In 14 games this season, Batum is averaging 9.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Batum has accumulated seven games where he accounted for at least 10 points and seven games where he grabbed six or more rebounds. Look for Batum to continue his momentum and keep playing well-balanced basketball on both ends of the court for the Clippers.