Nicolas Batum: “Ty Lue saved my life”

Once known as one of the more versatile players in the entire NBA on both offense and defense, the career of Nicolas Batum appeared to be coming to an end far sooner than he could have predicted.

For seven well-played seasons in Portland, Batum was often viewed as one of the Trail Blazers’ irreplaceable cogs. The defensively ubiquitous point forward would go on to average 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. With his value reaching its crescendo, Batum decided against re-signing in Portland, opting to instead take his talents to Charlotte on a massive deal worth $120 million for five years.

Initially, Batum’s new Hornets marriage worked beautifully. During his first two seasons, Batum averaged 15 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. But as Batum seemingly became fully immersed in Charlotte’s future plans, his role changed quickly.

In years three and four, Batum’s production began plummeting as he averaged 11.6 and 9.3 points per game respectively. In year five, Batum was removed from the rotation altogether. The once talented swingman played in just 22 contests that season, starting on only three occasions. Unsurprisingly, Batum produced career lows across the board including in points (3.6) and field goal percentage (34.6%).

The injuries, more than anything else, took a toll on Batum both mentally and physically. Officially, he hit rock bottom on November 29th, 2020. As Batum casually whipped out his phone to scroll through his social media account, he realized he had been waived by Charlotte.

Ty Lue embraced him in LA

Unclear of his next step, Batum waited patiently just a few days later to clear waivers. Once he did, he inked his name on the dotted line to join the LA Clippers. Over the past two seasons, the chastisement that was hurled in his direction, along with the perpetual narrative that he had nothing left in the tank, became a thing of the past. In his first season in LA, coach Ty Lue heaped plenty of playing time onto Batum. The former Hornet ultimately responded, averaging 8.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. LA happily welcomed him back into the fold during the offseason in 2021, signing Batum to a two-year deal.

Much like his first season in LA, Batum continued to thrive as Lue played him nearly 30 minutes a night. The still versatile Frenchmen averaged 8.3 points and 4.3 rebounds.

At times, Batum resembled the high flying, do it all forward that played in Portland. In addition to giving him the ball and allowing him to create for others, Lue also stuck Batum on the opposing team’s best offensive weapon, an assignment he took with pride.

At just the age of 33, Batum believes he still has plenty of good years left in his basketball body. Nevertheless, when asked where he sees himself retiring by the time his career comes to a close, Batum revealed that he has no desire to retire with the Trail Blazers, the team that initially drafted him. Considering the arduous road he took and the close bond he built with Lue, Batum can’t envision himself playing anywhere else.

“Ty Lue saved my life,” said Batum during an interview with First Team. “So I’ll stay with T-Lue unless they kick me out. He saved my career.”