Latest arrival at the Sixers, Nicolas Batum It didn’t take long to convince Nick Nurse of his importance in a collective. The French winger is the most used rookie since the exchange with the Clippers, and last night, against the Pacers, “Batman” was squarely on the wing.
A tenure linked to the unavailability of Kelly Oubre Jr, hit by a car on Saturday evening.
“We don’t even think about basketball in these moments” recalled Nicolas Batum before the victory against the Pacers. “We just want to make sure he’s okay.” He texted us Saturday night to say he was okay. He told us what had happened to him, but it was a shock. I was shocked, so I just hope he’s okay.”
The Swiss Army knife is out
Pleasantly surprised by the rapid integration of the Frenchman, Nick Nurse did not hesitate to integrate him into the starting five, and Nicolas Batum played 33 minutes. He hadn’t played so much since the beginning of March!
Time for him to compile 9 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks, and we will have noted his good defense to limit the influence of Tyrese Haliburton. An interim period which should continue for several weeks since Kelly Oubre Jr. suffers from broken ribs, and the duration of his unavailability has not yet been set.
“We have to keep playing for him,” concluded the Frenchman. “It’s a key element for us. He has been very good since he arrived. I arrived a little later, but I love playing with him. He has done a lot for us and we have to make sure we continue to win. He will come back, resume his role and everything will be fine.”
