NBA Free Agency: Examining The Small Forward Options
By Adam McGee
Nicolas Batum
If we’re being completely realistic, Nicolas Batum is very likely to end up just out of what seems like a reasonable price range for the Bucks. A consistent, smooth and athletic wing around the league for many years now, Batum can offer high production in a number of different roles and seems likely to get rewarded appropriately this summer.
As a do-it-all forward who has now thrived in both Portland and Charlotte, and a 27-year-old who should just be coming into his prime, the Frenchman may become the consolation prize for those who once hoped of prying LeBron James and Kevin Durant away from their current teams.
Batum was a vital cog for the Trail Blazers on the wing, even if the likes of him and Wesley Matthews were somewhat in the shadow of their teammates. Moving on from Portland to a situation where he needed to be leaned on a little more taught us a lot about who Batum is.
He settled into a more active role in Charlotte were he averaged per game career highs in points and assists, highlighting just how useful he can be across the floor.
With impressive length and athleticism, Batum is an excellent defender. He’s the type of player who it would seem like he could help any team he plays on, but with Giannis offering a similar style of play with a much greater potential ceiling, it’s hard to see what he’d do in Milwaukee. With the price he’s likely to command, for as talented as he is, I’m not sure a deal with the Bucks would benefit either party.
Next: Luol Deng