Nicolas Batum, a seasoned forward in the NBA, has opted out of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, sparking potential interest in a return to the team. At 36 years old, Batum is heading into his 18th season in the league. In the piece, he’s clearly reflecting on his legacy, and he stated there’s a “very, very good chance” that this coming season will be his last.
During the recent postseason, Batum impressed fans—not to mention Victor Wembanyama—with his sharpshooting from deep. He hit almost 40% of his threes, taking an average of 4.7 triples per contest. On the offensive end, he helped produce high level contributions throughout the playoffs. He’s displayed elite defensive chops with an average of 1.7 blocks and 0.9 steals per game. Despite these impressive statistics, the Clippers faced disappointment in the first round against the Denver Nuggets.
During that last season spent with the Clippers, Batum played a very specific, small role, averaging less than 18 minutes a game. He produced 78 appearances with only eight starts this past season, showcasing his depth and reliability to step up when called upon. Over the last five seasons, he has been a significant presence on the Clippers’ roster, following successful tenures with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Charlotte Hornets.
Over a long career that is approaching two decades, Batum has made his mark as an on-court quarterback. Others have found ways to succeed in the NBA, racking up tremendous success. He has won two Olympic silver medals with the French national team, cementing his legacy even more in international basketball.
Batum is considering an array of possible next steps. By choosing to opt out, he demonstrates that he’s looking for a new start, which could be with the Clippers again — or elsewhere in the league. His deep experience and unique skills will remain a valuable asset. He’s on the precipice of what may be the last great act of his illustrious basketball career.
Leave a Reply