Charlotte Hornets: Five takeaways from 2017 Media Day

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 22: Malik Monk speaks with the media after being selected eleventh overall by the Charlotte Hornets at the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Pellegrino/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2 of 5

MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 10: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets stands on the court in the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center on April 10, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

2. Nic Batum is in the best shape of his life

Nicolas Batum decided to take this summer off. He declined an invitation to play with the French National Team at the FIBA EuroBasket 2017 tournament. This is the first time in his career since being called up in 2009 that Batum did not play with France over the course of the offseason. It must’ve been a tough decision but it looks like it may have paid off for him.

Another factor that led to Nicolas staying stateside was because he wanted to spend more time with his child. Although, he did travel to France to work out. For the most part, he stayed in Charlotte and did his best to get better.

At 28-years old, he is arguably reaching his prime. Being in his best possible shape should help him this year. After a down year, Nicolas will be looking to bounce back and lowe his turnover numbers while upping his shooting percentages for the Hornets over the course of the 2017-18 season.

Home/Hornets News