After sending away James Harden, the 76ers acquired Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington, Marcus Morris Sr. and KJ Martin. While Daryl Morey strategically only takes players with the final year on their contracts, Batum has proven that he is not a player who should be waived. Although it can’t be seen on the technical statistics sheet, his actual performance in the game made the 76ers more comfortable…
After sending away James Harden, the 76ers acquired Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington, Marcus Morris Sr. and KJ Martin. While Daryl Morey strategically only takes players with the final year on their contracts, Batum has proven that he is not a player who should be waived. Although it can’t be seen on the technical statistics sheet, his actual performance in the game made the 76ers more comfortable.
Nick Nurse told reporters before the game: “His versatility makes him a glue-like presence, a perfect connection for the team. He can shoot three-pointers. He is a very good passer and is an excellent passer in multiple positions. A great defender and he plays the game the right way.”
Since joining the 76ers, Batum has become an integral part of the Sixers’ rotation. He can be a starter or come off the bench. He can play all positions to some extent and guard the position from one to five. He can dribble, pass and shoot – three skills that are rare around Joel Embiid – and he also has great size and wingspan. And most importantly, he may be one of the smartest players the Sixers have ever had.
“He’s really good on the defensive end. He does all his plays perfectly and has excellent communication skills when switching defenses. Because of his unique size and agility, as well as his wingspan, he can defend almost Every position on the field. And then offensively, he’s a really good passer and knows how to get the ball to the next player. He’s able to cut and re-piece space in his mind, which helps with playmaking. He’s an experienced guy who really understands how to play basketball,” Nurse told reporters after the game.
Since joining the 76ers, Batum has a plus-minus of +76. While this may be a deceptive statistic, Batum’s performance certainly proves his importance. You can’t expect his exaggerated three-point shooting percentage to continue, but he can still have a meaningful impact on the offensive end.
It wasn’t until Batum arrived in Los Angeles that he truly took on the role of “the cement.” The 34-year-old Frenchman has found success both in the NBA and internationally as a scorer and ball-handler, and Nurse said the Sixers are just trying to get the veteran player more comfortable.
The 76ers clearly have problems running the ball and creating chances when Tyrese Maxey is not on the court, and Batum can solve that problem to an extent.
Batum once postponed the moment when he put on the 76ers jersey for the first time due to personal reasons. Batum told reporters in Brooklyn that his wife had been dealing with some health issues and he needed to be with his family. Batum said his wife will recover and he hopes this will be the last time he leaves the team.
So, what’s it like to play again after a week?
Batum told reporters. “The first five minutes, I was just trying to get back into rhythm. I wasn’t trying to do too much. I was trying to get into the rhythm of the game, play with the team. Do some simple things offensively and defensively, who knows. It worked great, it was definitely team basketball that worked.”
As mentioned earlier, Batum’s numbers are unremarkable. He only scored one three-pointer, played 24 minutes, had three assists and three rebounds. However, his plus-minus is +25. Batum was perfect in how he matched up with Embiid and Maxey. He gives the team everything it needs and asks for nothing in return.
“That’s the role I’ve played the last three years. When you play with a guy like Embiid, it’s just about doing all the little things. That’s been working so far, so I’m going to try to keep doing the same thing.” Batum told reporters.
“There are a lot of young players coming up in this league, and this is my 16th season, so I have to find a way to stabilize my rhythm and get opportunities to play. I love this role. I love it. Winning and making everyone around me happy is what I want.”
So far, his teammates like Batum, including the team’s star player. “He’s the key. He’s special. He ticks all the boxes for us. Great shooter; great defender; great passer; great basketball IQ. He just ticks all the boxes for us.” So Embiid Tell reporters.
Perhaps Nicolas Batum can be the final piece the Philadelphia 76ers need. However, it is worth noting that the expiration date of his contract is approaching step by step.
[Special Editor Lin Changyi/Responsible Editor Xie Yiqian]
Reference for compiling this article:Nicolas Batum looks like the (super) glue guy the Sixers have needed
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2023-11-30 04:20:38
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