Nic Batum played 57 games, with 38 starts, for the Philadelphia 76ers after being acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers in the James Harden deal. He averaged 5.5 points and 4.2 rebounds in those games, but the French forward did so many good things for Philadelphia that don't show up in box scores.
Batum was invaluable in the locker room as well as doing the little things and providing intangibles for this group. It also didn't hurt that he scored 20 points and knocked down six 3s in the play-in win over the Miami Heat that essentially made him a legend amongst the Philadelphia fans.
HoopsHype ranked the top 50 European players ever and Batum comes in ranked No. 26 on the list:
A beyond serviceable role player throughout his entire career, Nicolas
Batum was one of the original 3-and-D swingmen that became so popular in the 2010s, capable of locking down multiple positions on one end and knocking down open threes on the other. Underrated playmaker, too. Beyond the NBA, Batum played a zillion FIBA tournaments with France and won seven medals with his National Team… though just one gold, with many heartbreaking losses to Spain and Team USA.
Batum has been solid all throughout his 18 years in the league as he has made an impact with the Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, Clippers, and Sixers. He is an invaluable player on whichever team he has played for.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Former Sixers F Nic Batum ranked No. 26 European player of all time
