Nicolas Batum

Nicolas Batum is a French professional basketball player who currently plays for the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was born on December 14, 1988 in Lisieux, France and started playing basketball at an early age. He moved to Pau-Orthez in 1999 and played professionally with ASVEL Basket from 2005-2008.

In 2008, he was selected with the 25th overall pick in the NBA draft by Houston Rockets but his rights were later traded to Portland Trail Blazers. In his first season in the NBA he started all 82 regular season games and was named to the All-Rookie Second Team. As a result of his successful rookie campaign he won himself a 5 year contract extension worth $45 million dollars which made him one of the highest paid players on Blazers roster at that time.

Batum made steady improvements each season as part of Portland Trail Blazers and became an integral part of their team offense during 2010-11 season averaging career bests in points (14) rebounds (5), assists (3) steals(1) per game while shooting 47% from three point range for entire season . With rising performance levels Nicolas earned himself selection for 2012 Rising Stars Challenge where he scored 18 points 4 rebounds & 6 assists despite having sprained ankle prior to match .He also represented French national team in 2012 London Olympics where they finished 7th overall after losing quarter final match against eventual gold medalists USA .

After spending seven years with Portland Trail Blazers Batum signed four year deal worth $120 million dollars with Charlotte Hornets prior start 2015-16 NBA Season . His best statistical year so far came during 2016 – 2017 regular when averaged 15 points, 6 rebounds & 5 assist per game along 44 % field goal percentage and 39% three point percentage respectively During 2018–19 season , Nicolas averaged 10 points , 5 rebounds & 3 assists per game while shooting 42 % field goal percentage & 37 % three point percentage respectively which marked his lowest scoring output since 2011 – 12 Regular Season when he averaged 13 ppg while playing alongside LaMarcus Aldridge on Portland Trailblazers Roster Despite declining offensive numbers , Nicolas remains key contributor defensively as well as reliable veteran presence within Charlotte’s young core group consisting Devonté Graham , Miles Bridges & Malik Monk looking forward 2020 / 21 Regular Season it will be interesting whether or not Batum able bounce back offensively or remain consistent role player defensively mentor next generations stars within organization