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NBA: The Best 2016 Free Agent For Every Team

By Ryan Blackburn

May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of the Air Canada Centre prior to Indiana Pacers playing Toronto Raptors in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of the Air Canada Centre prior to Indiana Pacers playing Toronto Raptors in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 17, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) reacts after being called for a foul during the second half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 123-91. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) reacts after being called for a foul during the second half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 123-91. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Nuggets – Nicolas Batum

Similar to the Charlotte Hornets, the Denver Nuggets could use a French army knife type player, and it’s Nicolas Batum.

With Emmanuel Mudiay and Nikola Jokic in place, the Nuggets have building blocks for the future, but in order to continue developing those players, they have to surround them with talented pieces. Batum may never be the first option on a championship team, but he’s one of the best “pieces” in the NBA.

His skills range from generating steals, to grabbing defensive rebounds, to not fouling, to taking the ball up in transition, to facilitating the offense, to coming off of screens, to spotting up from the perimeter.

With such a long list of skills, the Nuggets could use a player that can fill many roles. Danilo Gallinari is currently the number one scorer, but the number two scorer could easily be Batum. Mudiay is the primary facilitator, but that wouldn’t stop Batum from competing for the most assists. He may not average six rebounds playing next to Nikola Jokic and Kenneth Faried, but he could still average more than most players playing shooting guard.

Not to mention, the Nuggets have two fellow Frenchmen in Joffrey Lauvergne and Axel Toupane that would help Batum feel right at home. It’s a great fit all around, and the Nuggets should have enough cap space to add him on a max deal.

Next: Detroit Pistons