Nicolas Batum is a professional NBA basketball player from France. He currently plays in the small forward or shooting guard position for the Houston Rockets. Batum is known for executing one of the best chase-down block, and is a highly effective defensive player.
Considered as one of the top players in Europe, DraftExpress.com ranked Batum as 17th among the international players born in 1988. He was twice named as Most Valuable Player in international championships for under-18 divisions.
Batum started playing professionally for a French league team, Le Mans in 2007. At the Nike Hoop Summit in the same year, he delivered an exceptional performance. He declared for the 2008 NBA draft and was signed to the Houston Rockets before being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.
| Team |
Los Angeles Clippers
|
| Position | Small Forward |
| Born | 14 Dec 1988 |
| Nationality |
France
|
| Nickname | Nic |
| Team History | |
|
Los Angeles Clippers
|
2020 - present |
Charlotte Hornets
|
2015 - 2020 |
Portland Trail Blazers
|
2008 - 2015 |
In the 2008 to 2009 Season, Batum came off the bench and became a starting player in place of Travis Outlaw. One of the highlights of his season was his clutch three-pointer which helped the Trail Blazers win against the New Jersey Nets.
During the 2009 to 2010 Season, a torn right shoulder cartilage made him unable to play for the first 45 games. He returned to the court on January 25, 2010 and delivered a great performance, including scoring more than 30 points for the first time in his NBA career.
Batum signed an extension with the Trail Blazers on July 2012. In a game against the New Orleans Hornets, he recorded a five-by-five milestone. He became the 15th player in the NBA to record this by scoring 11 points, 10 assists, 5 steals, 5 blocks, and 5 rebounds.
In the 2012 to 2013 Season, he recorded his very first triple double. Batum also greatly improved his basketball skills, notable his assists and passing.
Batum was traded to the Charlotte Hornets on June 24, 2015. He went on to score a season-high points and was even named Eastern Conference Player of the Week. Batum missed a lot of games following a good stretch due to a foot injury.
He started the 2016 to 2017 Season with a triple double but was later ruled out for a couple of months due to a left elbow injury.
Career Accomplishments:Gold medal, 2013 Slovenia EuroBasket –representing FranceSilver medal, 2011 Lithuania EuroBasket –representing FranceBronze medal, 2015 France EuroBasket –representing FranceBronze medal, 2015 France EuroBasket –representing FranceAlbert Schweitzer Tournament MVP (2006)FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship MVP (2006)2-time French League Rising Star Award (2007, 2008)
