No. 1 player ready for an increased role on the LA Clippers: Nicolas Batum
Is there anything LA Clippers’ utility player Nicolas Batum can’t do?
He can shoot at a very high level (40.4% from deep last year), he can play three different positions, and he can lock you down on defense at all three of those spots.
He’s perfect for small ball lineups, and we all know that the Clippers love to use those.
Batum started 38 games for the Clippers last year. Look for that number to go up with Leonard out for a significant portion of the season.
He’ll likely be a full-time starter this season, and has earned it. He stepped up whenever the Clips have needed him, and especially under the brightest lights. He had the choice to go somewhere else this offseason, but made the right call in staying with this team.
He’s in a perfect system, and will be able to excel in this full-time starter role which he’ll probably have until Leonard gets back.
There’s a lot to like about this Clipper team, and all of the players who are set to take on bigger roles are more than ready to come out firing.