Remember The Name

In arguably the best rookie class in a decade, casual NBA fans might overlook the gangly 20-year-old Frenchman Nicolas Batum. But that’s alright with him. When compared with his fellow rookie teammates, the 7’0, 285 pound Greg Oden, or the hot-shooting Rudy Fernandez, it seems highly unlikely that the little-known Batum would make the biggest impact on the Blazers, but that’s just what has happened.

Originally believed to be destined for the D-League for most of his rookie season, Batum stumbled on to the roster after a stress fracture in the pre-season sidelined starting small forward Martell Webster. After coming off the bench for the first 3 games of the season, Brandon Roy approached head coach Nate McMillan about Batum replacing Travis Outlaw in the starting line-up as Outlaw’s inefficiencies on defense left Brandon checking the best player on the opponent’s team, and left little offensive firepower coming off the bench. With Batum in the starting lineup, the offense was able to be run through its 2 primary scorers Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge.

Thus far in his rookie season, Nicolas Batum has posted averages of just over 5 points a game, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist per game. His statistics may not jump off the page at you until you consider he plays on average just 18 minutes a game, most of which are alongside Roy and Aldridge who have possession of the ball most of the time Batum is in the game. Since arriving in Portland he has been the only rookie to play in all 65 games this season, and has been one of the most consistent of all the Blazers. Nicolas Batum has been the most valuable rookie for the Portland Trailblazers because of his ability to the intangibles on both sides of the floor whether it’s grabbing loose balls or making that extra pass to get his teammate the best shot possible. Batum’s game is defined by his ability to do what his team needs him to do for the win, whether it’s shutting down the opponents best offensive player (Carter, Bryant, etc.), making come-from-behind blocks, or making a smooth dunk.

Last night he exploded for 20 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal on 7-8 shooting, including the game-winning 3 pointer in the last minute of the game. It’s rumored that Blazers management ended trade talks with Charlotte for Gerald Wallace when they insisted on Nicolas Batum, showing that the Blazers front office has just as much faith in this young man as I do. Michael Jordan himself spoke fondly of Batum while visiting Portland last week, saying Portland made the wise decision in not making any trades. Standing 6’8 and weighing in at only 200 pounds, it’s easy to see why people overlook Nicolas Batum, but if MJ himself remembers his name it seems likely that many more people will too.