Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets’ Four Biggest Concerns Entering the Offseason

By Jerry Stephens

Mar 18, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) argues a call in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Wizards 98-93. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) argues a call in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Wizards 98-93. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) reacts to a foul call in the second half against the Boston Celtics at Spectrum Center. The Celtics defeated the Hornets 121-114. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) reacts to a foul call in the second half against the Boston Celtics at Spectrum Center. The Celtics defeated the Hornets 121-114. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Nicolas Batum Needs to be More Aggressive

Many criticize Nic for not being a true secondary option. The fact of the matter is that he isn’t a bad Robin to Kemba Walker’s Batman. He was one of only six players in the entire league to average 15+ points per game, six+ rebounds and five+ assists per game this past season. (NBA.com)

The only other players to put up those numbers were Russell Westbrook, James Harden, LeBron James, Jimmy Butler and Giannis Antetokounmpo. His 15.1 PPG doesn’t compare to most secondary scoring options around the league but his all-around play evens that out. Nic’s problem is that he only averaged 12.7 shot attempts per game which ranked 60th in the NBA. (NBA.com)

Kemba averaged 18.3 shots per game so Batum needs to up his total to around that mark. Not that he should shoot as much as Walker but when Nicolas is aggressive he plays better. Far too often, he would defer on the offensive end. He is a talented player and Charlotte doesn’t have a lot of players who can create their own shots.

Batum is skipping Eurobasket 2017 with France and is instead committing the entire summer to the Hornets so hopefully, we will see the results in his play next season. The Hornets need more consistent scorers. If Nic is more aggressive and creates more shots for himself, it will ultimately help the team as a whole.

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