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Charlotte Hornets: How likely is a Nicolas Batum-Rockets trade?

By Walker Harris

Charlotte Hornets Nicolas Batum (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets Nicolas Batum (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – APRIL 1: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 1, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – APRIL 1: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 1, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

How Does Nic Batum Compare?

Nicolas Batum, on the other hand, has not fit the 3 and D mold in Charlotte. While 43% of his shots in the QC have been threes and 83.3% of them have been assisted on, he’s only converted them at a 33.9% rate, which is markedly below league average. Additionally, only 10% of his threes have been from the corners, which he’s only converted at a 32.4% rate, also not good.

He’s been underwhelming on the defensive end too. In Charlotte, he’s averaged a 107.66 defensive rating and a -.57 defensive RPM rating, along with just 1.1 steals per 36. It’s worth noting that his two defensive ratings have gotten progressively worse each of the past four seasons, which could be an indication that Batum is struggling to keep up on defense as the pace of the NBA increases.

It’s reasonable to assume that Batum’s shooting and defense would improve in Houston’s offensive and defensive schemes, but they would more than likely still not match Bazemore’s.

Houston will certainly have these number discrepancies in mind when deciding who to trade for. It all comes down to who the Rockets would rather have on their roster and who they think would be a better fit with their current squad.

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