Since his acquisition by the Sixers from the Clippers in the trade that brought James Harden to Los Angeles this season, the Philadelphia organization recognized Nicolas Batum's potential to become a pivotal member of the roster. Fast forward a couple of months, and the veteran Frenchman has surpassed expectations, logging significant minutes in the Sixers' Eastern Conference first-round series against the New York Knicks.
Despite Batum's regular-season average of just 5 points per game, there's a reason he saw over 25 minutes of playtime for Philadelphia. His leadership both on and off the court, coupled with his ability to make crucial defensive stops and shots, earned Coach Nick Nurse's trust for postseason minutes.
At 35 years old, Batum is averaging nearly 30 minutes per game on the floor during the first-round series against New York, and his experience in significant playoff games could potentially help the Sixers turn the tide.
Coach Nurse on Batum
“I’ve always admired Batum’s game a lot. I tried to get him before on my team. He’s such a good basketball player in so many facets, but he’s been really, really good. When you play against these guys, you see certain things that he’s done in the past.” Nurse said.
‘’He has the ability to do it (embrace a big role) and is willing to do anything his team needs him to do to win and I think that kinda sums him up.”
The frenchman is no stranger to playing in big games. Not only has he done it with the previous organizations he’s been with in the NBA but also with the National Team, completing in the Finals of the Olympic Games, FIBA World Cup and European Championships. He has also taken part in over 60 playoffs games throughout his 16-year career in the league therefore Philadelphia will need his expertise on the floor.