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NBA Free Agency: Top 10 2016 Free Agents

By Ryan Blackburn

Apr 25, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) waits to be introduced prior to action against the Dallas Mavericks in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) waits to be introduced prior to action against the Dallas Mavericks in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 17, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) controls the ball as Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) defends during the first half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) controls the ball as Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) defends during the first half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Nicolas Batum

Nicolas Batum experienced a regression in the 2014-15 season with the Blazers, but quickly found a home in Charlotte with the new-look Hornets. His veteran leadership and versatile game have complimented Kemba Walker, Marvin Williams, and the rest of the roster. He looked to show his skills in the playoffs, but an ankle injury has forced him out of the last two games.

Regardless, Batum is a unique player. The list of players who average 15 points, six rebounds and six assists per game has three players on it: Russell Westbrook, LeBron James and James Harden. Batum falls just outside the range, averaging 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists.

He doesn’t have the ball in his hands even close to the amount of time that the above players do, but he also posted the best assist rate of his career of 26.9 percent. A team that needs a player who can fill many roles and be a versatile “Swiss army knife” type would be perfect for Batum’s skills.

In Charlotte, there’s a lot of questions. Kemba Walker experienced a legitimate breakout, Jeremy Lin is still heavily involved, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is under contract long term, and players like Jeremy Lamb and Courtney Lee look to be utilized as well. The Hornets may not want to pay Batum given all of the depth on their roster and the return of MKG.

If he doesn’t go back to Charlotte, a sleeper team like the Denver Nuggets could emerge. They are looking for a complementary ball handler to Emmanuel Mudiay, as well as another long distance shooter to pair with Danilo Gallinari.

With Mudiay and Nikola Jokic looking like enticing cornerstones and fellow Frenchmen Joffrey Lauvergne and Axel Toupane on the roster, Batum could pull a surprise move given that the Nuggets could offer a long-term deal.

Next: Number 5