The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in signing Nicolas Batum to a max contract. What are the pros and cons of potentially making that investment?
Few are more enticing than Charlotte Hornets swingman Nicolas Batum.
Batum has put together an impressive and prosperous eight-year NBA career. The 27-year-old Frenchman spent his first seven seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, and achieved new heights of notoriety with the Hornets in 2015-16.
According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the New York Knicks would be willing to reward Batum’s growth as a player with a max contract.
Was told his camp knows Knicks and Raptors would offer max deal. Knows whats out there wants to stay in Charlotte. https://t.co/57NoG8ZHih
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) May 14, 2016
That’s quite the intriguing possibility.
Batum finished the 2015-16 regular season with averages of 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 2.0 3-point field goals made. He ranked No. 1 amongst shooting guards in rebounding, No. 2 in assists per game, and No. 12 in 3-point field goals converted.
It was an eventful year for Batum, who set career-highs in points and assists per game.
The hope in New York is that Batum could fill the existing void at shooting guard. He’s a skilled and versatile player whose two-way value has made him a hot commodity amongst teams in need of an offensive playmaker and defensive asset.
The question is, what are the pros and cons of Phil Jackson and the Knicks potentially signing Batum?
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