NBA Draft: Re-drafting the 2008 NBA Draft’s first round

#12 Pick – Sacramento Kings: Nicolas Batum (Originally: Jason Thompson)

Nicolas Batum is a player who has never got the opportunity to experience true success despite competing on some very strong teams. The Portland Trail Blazer teams he played on, led by LaMarcus Aldridge, consistently made the playoffs, yet, only made it out of the first round once.

Batum often started at small forward for those teams and played the role of a really strong wing shooter.

Batum has been as consistent as they come since his sophomore season. His career averages stand at 11.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. When you compare that to his best statistical season in 2012-13, you see a lot of similarities.

That season, his averages stood at 14.3, 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game; all finishing above his career averages.

Batum decided to go for the bag in the summer of 2016, signing a five-year, $120 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets after arriving via trade the previous summer. Doing that, he also signed away his rights to any sort of competition.

As Batum enters his 30s, father time begins to catch up to him, as the end of his $120 million contract hasn’t looked so pretty. Charlotte looks to rebuild with the young guys they have, which leaves Batum with limited playing opportunities.

A strong career, and a guy who seems like a strong teammate. He performed well for Portland, and during the beginning of his tenure in Charlotte, and is well-deserving of the No. 12 pick.