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Denver Nuggets: 5 Free Agents To Target This Offseason

By Ryan Blackburn

Jan 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) shoots the ball over Denver Nuggets guard Mike Miller (3) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 95-92. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) shoots the ball over Denver Nuggets guard Mike Miller (3) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 95-92. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 29, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) in action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Charlotte Hornets won 100-85. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) in action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Charlotte Hornets won 100-85. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Nicolas Batum

The highest profile player on this list by far, Nicolas Batum has given the Denver Nuggets many reasons to want him.

First of all, he fits the international profile. Six players on the Nuggets have an international background, including two players from France like Batum in Joffrey Lauvergne and Axel Toupane. One of the claims to fame that many players in Denver can make is that the team represents the nations around the world very well.

As an international player, Batum would likely embrace the culture in Denver that so many other international players have done as well. As a veteran, he would be one of the representative voices and would form a quick bond in the locker room with players in a similar position as him.

More on his actual skills though, Batum is the ultimate glue guy. He averaged 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game this year, with the only other players to match those numbers being Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, and James Harden. His assist rate of 26.9 was only matched at his position by LeBron James and Tyreke Evans, a.k.a, a former point guard.

Furthermore, he has a quick trigger finger all over the floor, something the Nuggets need playing next to Mudiay long-term. Batum comes off of screens and can shoot from awkward angles making shots consistently out beyond the three point line. He took 45.7 percent of his attempts this past season from beyond the three-point line, constantly stretching the defense.

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His playmaking skills pair well with Faried and Jokic, each of whom can play off of him. His outside shotmaking pairs with Mudiay and Gallinari, and his veteran leadership and defensive length pair well with Mike Malone. Overall, Nicolas Batum is the highest profile player the Nuggets should target, but he also fits the best.

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