Nicolas Batum
Age: 27
Height: 6-foot-8
Career stats: 31.8 mpg, 11.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.4 apg, 0.9 spg, 0.7 bpg, 44.2/36.0/83.6 shooting splits
2015-16 stats: 35.0 mpg, 14.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 5.8 apg, 0.9 spg, 0.6 bpg; 42.6/3.8/84.9 shooting splits
Strengths:
- Sharpshooter from behind the arc
- Can carry the load offensively in a pinch
- Outstanding passer
- All-around versatility
Weaknesses:
- Not a shutdown defender
- Jack of many trades, master of none
Why he makes sense for the Warriors:
He does a little bit of everything, which is exactly what Steve Kerr is looking for in a forward. He’s an excellent floor spacer who can play the screener or the shooter in the pick-and-roll. Most importantly, he’s a player that doesn’t make mental mistakes that cost his team games.
Why he doesn’t make sense for the Warriors:
Batum’s career-year in Charlotte came in a completely different set of circumstances than he’ll have if he comes to Golden State. Batum’s usage rate was the highest of his career, and he was counted on as Charlotte’s second offensive option behind Kemba Walker. Batum is a rhythm shooter and will need touches to be effective.