Soaring Down South
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Position Rankings: Top 10 Shooting Guards in the NBA

By Collin Huguley

May 15, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) looks to play a ball as Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) gives chase during the first quarter in game seven of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 116-89. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) looks to play a ball as Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) gives chase during the first quarter in game seven of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 116-89. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 24, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) drives on Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) drives on Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

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

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