Despite a period of realization before the all-star break that Nicolas Batum’s days may have been over, the playoffs have relaid the opposite narrative: Fans want him to be an LA Clipper until he hangs the laces up. His impact on the game caused this transition as one of the best veterans in basketball.
Batum is one of those guys who defend at an elite level and has mastered the no-dip three-pointer. This complements the former MVP, James Harden, as he can be troubled late into the shot clock and still have a high-percentage shot waiting to be attempted by the French Knight.
However, Batum, as any NBA player would at age 36, was simultaneously battling age and a dark shooting slump prior to the All-Star break. He was not a liability by any means, but the expectation for him to do better was much higher.
Now, Batum has scorched the Denver Nuggets so badly in the first round that opposing star point guard Jamal Murray was speechless at the production of the six-foot-eight forward.
Nicolas Batum is the living dream of every coach, player, and fan around the NBA
Nicolas Batum could be playing or warming the bench, and he will still be the one who brings energy and does not complain. This is what most call the perfect role player to have in a championship-contending rotation.
Moreover, in six playoff games this season, Batum is showing why the coaches and fans deeply treasure his presence. He is averaging 6.0 points, shooting 40% from a distance, and had a significant game six that kept the Clippers alive for another war in Denver.
Last night, Batum played most of the game in 34 minutes after Tyronn Lue benched Kris Dunn. This could not have gone better, as the French Knight recorded six points, six assists, five rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.
Furthermore, Batum is second in the playoffs in blocks and has a mind-blowing net rating of 11.2, which is better than anyone in the rotation. This advanced statistic shows that only great things happen when he plays.
This stat-stuffing effort on both sides of the ball explains why Jamal Murray reacted the way he did. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic has also praised the French star.
That said, Batum is a specially gifted veteran who is so strong and potent that every contender wishes they had him on their bench.