Knicks Rumors: High-Profile Free Agents NY Can Realistically Sign
Nicolas Batum, Unrestricted Free Agent
Position: Guard/Forward
Age: 27 (12/14/1988)
Slash Line: .426/.348/.849
Season Averages: 35.0 MPG, 14.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 2.0 3PM
In 2015-16, Nicolas Batum finally offered a glimpse at what he brings to the table. He played with a previously withheld offensive freedom, thriving as a dynamic playmaker as he led the Charlotte Hornets to 48 wins.
According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the New York Knicks are willing to reward Batum’s progression 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
One could certainly debate whether or not Batum should receive a max contract, but New York appears inclined to find that out the hard way.
Batum is a dynamic offensive player who has an uncanny ability to alternate between aggressively finding his shot and selflessly facilitating. The quality of the results can be found in the statistics Batum accumulated in 2015-16.
Batum ranked No. 2 amongst shooting guards in assists per game, No. 1 in rebounding, and cracked the Top 15 in scoring.
The question marks that linger pertain more to the money than the quality of player that Batum has become. He’s a two-way force who can defend multiple positions, but the proper price tag is still being determined.
If nothing else, Batum’s ability to handle the ball and facilitate should endear him to Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek.
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