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Charlotte Hornets: The case for (and against) Nicolas Batum

By Elijah Edwards

Mar 4, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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While Nic Batum has been a fine, dependable player, there are those who feel he’s not fulfilled his potential since joining the Charlotte Hornets.

Since coming to the Charlotte Hornets two years ago, Nicolas Batum has been very welcome addition to the team. Kemba Walker is obviously the star of the team, but Batum has been a reliable second or third option night after night. Batum averaged 15.1 points per game in 77 games last season, the highest of his career. There were even some games he led the team in scoring. The team and its fans are certainly grateful for his contributions.

So, all’s well and good, right?

Not so much.

Batum is set to make almost $22.5 million next year. When the Hornets and Batum reached an agreement on this deal, it was assumed he would blossom into a top 30, or even 20, player in the league.

It’s fair to say that hasn’t really happened. In fact, as of next season, Nic will be the 27th highest paid player in the league next year. He’ll make more than the likes of Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, and even Paul George.

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Nic Batum is a solid player, but he will need to take the next step to help a team well over the salary cap.

This is only exacerbated by the Dwight Howard trade. Howard will earn $23.5 million next year. As a result, the Hornets are now $18 million over the salary cap and almost $2 million under the luxury cap space. (spotrac.com)

Some clever front office maneuvering is certainly in order, especially if they want to free up space to re-sign Kemba. One has to wonder if Batum himself would be willing to restructure his contract. Trading him doesn’t seem like a real possibility at this point given his decreased output.

Then again, maybe he could reach the potential the Hornets saw in him. He did have his two highest scoring averages the last two years. Perhaps the addition of Howard will create open looks for Batum so he can be more efficient from the field. Batum shot only just over 40% from the field and 33% from three last year, the second-lowest of his career in each category.

Next: Where does Dwight Howard fit with the Hornets?

At 28 years old, there’s certainly room for Batum to improve. Given his lofty contract, he’s certainly going to need to. Charlotte fans would love to see him flourish in the Queen City but given the Hornets’ financial situation, it will have to be sooner rather than later. Here’s hoping the guard from France can realize his potential.

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