JOHANNESBURG, SA - AUGUST 1: Nicolas Batum #5 of Team Africa holds his jersey prior to the NBA Africa Game 2015 as part of Basketball Without Borders on August 1, 2015 at the Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg, South Africa. 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 2015 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
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)
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