Does Nicolas Batum already deserve a max contract?
Nicolas Batum has been a revelation for the Charlotte Hornets. It's unclear if even they expected him to play so well after they gave up Noah Vonleh and Gerald Henderson for the Frenchman's service last summer.
So far, he's been tremendous, an all-around, All-Star caliber performer on both ends of the court. Up for a new deal this July, does he already deserve a maximum contract? Here's a closer look courtesy of The Charlotte Observer:
Batum is averaging 16.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. His advanced stats are nearly career highs across the board. He makes everyone around him better and has fantastically responded to more responsibility from a new coach, on a new team, in a new city.
It's only been 20 games, but sure, give him a max deal. Batum's earned it.
Said Clifford of Batum: “ If you made a video of these last three games, you’d have 8-9 clips of sheer talent, of things nobody can teach anybody how to do. When he catches the ball, he knows where everybody is. He knows not to throw it to guys who can’t do it where they are, and he knows where to give it to guys where they can do something.”
