By Joël Pütz | Sports journalist
Adored by the Clippers public during his first stint in the franchise, Nicolas Batum chose to make his comeback with them during the last offseason. The Frenchman also indulged in an honest update on the Angelinos.
He says it himself, he doesn’t see himself playing beyond 2026. As for what is his last contract in the NBA, Nicolas Batum preferred to turn to an organization he knows and returned to Clippers this summer, a few months after being traded to the Sixers. Questioned by journalist Benjamin Moubèche a few days ago, the French veteran said he was very satisfied with his situation in California:
Coming here, I knew that I was going to have a role of “big brother”, of glue guy, that people wouldn’t necessarily expect numbers from me. It’s a good start to the season in terms of my impact in the group. The coaches are happy, the players are happy, and my playing time of between 15 and 20 minutes corresponds roughly to what was planned.
I am mainly present on the pitch to explain to them how to play the right way. It’s the same outside: how to be professional, set a good example. I’m not really a vocal guy, but every once in a while I’ll pull them aside to give them a couple of pieces of advice. A lot of young people ask me: “How did you manage to last 17 years in the NBA?” “.
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Nicolas Batum opens his heart about Tyronn Lue, coach of the Clippers
With a very long career in the United States, the Habs is obviously an ideal mentor for the young players of the Voiliers. But what convinced him to return to Los Angeles was above all trainer Tyronn Lue with whom he had established a very strong relationship during his first stint in the franchise, between 2020 and 2023. Batman recognizes this. elsewhere without difficulty, he owes a lot to the champion coach in 2016:
I know he wasn’t necessarily in favor of the transfer last year). Our relationship began in 2020. When I arrived, I was coming out of a very critical period in my career in Charlotte. He immediately placed me in the major five of a team that was aiming for the title — it showed his confidence in me. From day one, he told me he didn’t care what happened in Charlotte: he knew who I was and got back to me right away.
So on July 1, when I found myself without a contract, he was one of the first to call me. We developed a real connection: no need to talk a lot, we understood each other quickly. I know what he expects from me, he knows what I expect from him. I’m not expected to score 20 points. I have a well-defined role that I try to fulfill in my own way. I know how to play hard on both ends of the court without making mistakes.
Nicolas Batum is in an almost perfect situation at the Clippers: he has a well-defined role, a coach who trusts him and teammates who respect him. Too bad the franchise can’t really fight for the title, which it still lacks.
