8. Nicolas Batum
Age: 27
2015-2016 Season Averages: 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 0.9 steals
Shooting Percentages: .426/.348/.849
The Frenchman has found himself a home in Charlotte.
After playing seven seasons in Portland as a good role player, Nicolas Batum is getting the recognition he deserves as Kemba Walker‘s right-hand man with the Hornets.
At 6-8, Batum is a very big shooting guard that brings a variety of skills to the table. His ball-handling is tremendous for his size and his ability to run the offense gave Walker to opportunity to play a scorer’s role of of the ball, at times. His passing and ability to set up Walker, among other, was a huge factor as to why the Hornets won 48 games this season.
As a shooter, Batum was also rock solid at 35 percent. That number does not blow anyone away, but it forces the defense to respect his shooting on a team that badly needed it. Combine the shooting with his ability to create off the dribble for himself and others, and you’ve got an offensive weapon in Batum.
Defensively, Batum regularly was tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best player. Batum’s length made him very effective, even though his steals numbers were not high. He is a very good perimeter defender that could guards positions 2-4 on the floor.
Batum had a big-time breakout year for Charlotte and was rewarded with huge contract. His pairing with Walker gives them one of the best backcourts in the East and puts Batum on this list in solid position at no. 8.
Next: No. 7: Lehigh Legend