Batum on expanded role with Hornets: 'I'm a very versatile player'
Lobbying for Nicolas Batum's new nickname, "The Bee's Knees". No? Fine!
Personal agenda aside, the recent acquisition of the versatile Frenchman should prove useful for the 2015-16 edition of Buzz City.
The Charlotte Hornets introduced Batum on Friday, after receiving the 6-foot-8 small forward from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for six-year veteran Gerald Henderson and last year's No. 9 pick Noah Vonleh.
During his introductory press conference, Batum shared his thoughts on his new role with the Hornets.
"I know my role is going to be different and I like that," Batum said, comparing his function with the Blazers to his potential duties in Charlotte. "I know I can do a lot of things on the court; I'm a very versatile player.
"I'm easy. I'm coachable. I'm able to adjust."
Versatile indeed. Batum was a key piece in Portland's success in recent years, averaging 13.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and one steal per game for a three-season stretch (2011-12 through 2013-14) before having an admittedly poor 2014-15 campaign.
Re-energized, Batum looks to rebound (pun intended) next season with his new squad.
"I was very excited when I heard Charlotte was interested in me. I felt like I could take this in another direction. This is going to be a good, good team. Jeremy (Lamb) is a good player. We've got Kemba and Big Al (Jefferson) already. And Frank (Kaminsky) was the best player in all of college."
The lanky wing player has proven he can contribute in a variety of ways, on both ends of the floor, and will likely serve as an invaluable resource to the Hornets' core of younger players, namely Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Cody Zeller, Troy Daniels, newly-acquired Lamb, and incoming rookie Kaminsky.
Batum, 26, will earn $11.8 million next season and will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.