When Tyronn Lue was busy embracing the mystery in the playoffs, he did not start Nicolas Batum when he should have. The French Knight still resigned after considering retirement, and despite the optimism around his continued tenure with the LA Clippers, he has faced adversity on both sides of the ball this season. Yet, all was resolved on Saturday night, as Batum delivered in the most effective way.
In the 11-point loss versus the Phoenix Suns, Batum drilled three three-pointers and added three rebounds, two blocks, and one steal in 25 minutes off the bench.
This two-way effort was starter-worthy, and Lue would not have seen any criticism about it, if Batum was chosen over Bradley Beal, who unironically also had his best game as a Clipper this season, with 12 points, three assists, and two makes from beyond the arc in 20 minutes of action.
Nicolas Batum changed his narrative with one performance
There is no doubt that Nicolas Batum’s game log this season looks atrocious. The field goals made before Saturday night were stuck at one, his efficiency was sub-par, and there were a good bit of personal fouls, even in matchups where he did not play a ton of minutes. All in all, Batum’s scoring, playmaking, and defensive grades were at rock bottom, essentially at zero.
Thus, the narrative that he should not have been re-signed for two more years was valid, as he was great in the playoffs against the Denver Nuggets but had an age-driven decline in the works.
However, Batum responded to these forming narratives that emerged amid adversity and changed them with the flip of a switch. He just had to have one great game, and fans would realize why he is still on the team as a veteran role player.
Additionally, fans must remember that last November, Batum shot 27.3% from the distance, and though he bumped it up to over 40% in December, he remained inconsistent all the way until March, where he remained on fire through the entire postseason.
That said, Batum certainly still has game, and what he did in the playoffs for the Clippers should be the only reminder needed to explain why Lawrence Frank wanted him re-signed for $11 million across two seasons. Times of trouble will come, but as a franchise legend who is extremely humble with a sufficient background, he should always be supported.