The LA Clippers have signed free agent Nicolas Batum.
According to the Orange County Register, “the 6-foot-9 Batum brings height and length on the perimeter, multi-positional defense, ball-handling and playmaking abilities, 39 games of postseason experience and, of course, he’ll be available to be signed on a minimum deal.”
And per the Los Angeles Times, “Batum is coming off a season in which he averaged a career-low 3.6 points and played 23 minutes per game, his fewest since his rookie season in 2008-09. He shot 34% overall and a career-worst 28% on three-pointers in 22 games, missing Charlotte’s final 19. Batum is just one season removed from making 38% of his threes. Yet that was the first time in five years that Batum shot better than the league average from behind the arc.”
Batum, 31, has appeared in 789 career games with averages of 11.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists over 12 seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers and Charlotte Hornets. He appeared in 22 games for the Hornets last season with averages of 3.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists. The versatile forward has nine career triple-doubles, which is currently tied for 16th among active players. The 25th overall selection in the 2008 NBA Draft, Batum has appeared in 39 career playoff games with averages of 10.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 29.9 minutes.
From Lisieux, France, Batum has been a member of the French National Team since 2009, representing his country in the 2012 Olympics, 2010 FIBA World Championship, 2014 FIBA World Cup and 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015 FIBA European Championships. He led France to a gold medal in the 2013 European Championship, a silver medal in the 2011 European Championship and bronze medals in the 2014 FIBA World Cup and 2015 European Championship.
Batum will wear No. 33 for the Clippers.
