Nicolas Batum's offensive creativity is key for Hornets offense
Earlier this summer, the Charlotte Hornets acquired Nicolas Batum because he's a really good two-way player. He goes above and beyond what typical 3-and-D threats can provide, and should add some off-the-bounce spunk to an offense that badly needs it.
Courtesy of SB Nation's At the Hive, here's a look at the particulars of Batum's potential production, and why inserting his skill set into Charlotte's rotation could be a major help:
Batum played through a wrist injury last season, which help explains his putrid 32.4 percent average from behind the three-point line. He nearly sunk below 40 percent overall from the floor, too, and his PER dipped below league average for the first time in four seasons.
But Charlotte should get a better player than the one Portland saw last season. Batum's role will increase and his responsibilities will rise. It's a challenge, but the 26-year-old will be counted on to meet it and persevere.
(h/t: At the Hive)
It might be his ability to create, for himself and others, that is the biggest boon for Steve Clifford's group. Although he did get his fair share of crunch time looks, as we see here in this video, Batum was not the first offensive option for a loaded Trailblazers team during his time in Portland. But he was able to deliver when called upon. He will certainly be more of a focal point in Charlotte and we discuss in this video what that will mean for the Hornets.
