Defeated by the Pelicans on Friday, the Clippers will not play in the playoffs. A certain blow for Nicolas Batum, who remains able to change air this summer. Obviously disappointed by the outcome of the evening, the French winger clearly revealed his plans for the offseason.
Given the absence for this crucial deadline of Paul George, announced only a few hours before the start of the meeting, part of the hopes of Angelenos fans rested on him. Admittedly clumsy (1/7 shooting, 0/5 to 3 points), Nicolas Batum will nevertheless have given everything to avoid the defeat of the Clippers, this Friday, against the Pelicans. In vain.
Heroic defensively throughout the match, the captain of the Blues nevertheless saw his season end on the floor of the Crypto.com Arena (101-105). This defeat effectively eliminates his franchise from the playoff race, and temporarily puts an end to his title dreams. From now on, it is therefore on his future in Los Angeles that he will have to look, once again.
Nicolas Batum already impatient to find the Clippers
Extended for two years and just over $6 million by Clips last summer, Batum has a player option for the 2022-23 campaign. At 33, and after this regrettable failure given the circumstances, he could have been tempted by the prospect of a new adventure far from the City of Angels. However, his post-match statement made it clear that he will be fine until the end of his contract on the spot!
I love this team. I have been here for two years now. I was pretty much kicked out of the league before I got here. It’s been two different seasons, but I loved it. I love being here. This coach, these guys… It’s tough today, but it’s going to be fun next year.
Already looking ahead, Batman salivates at the idea of starting a new exercise with the Clippers.
It must be said that the face displayed by the franchise in recent months, despite all the obstacles put in its path, has something to fill it with optimism. He precisely returned to these various pitfalls, which offer a completely different reading of their season.
I’ve been in the league for 14 years, and what we’ve been through this year, I’ve never seen it before. With Covid, injuries, comebacks — everything. But it was fun. We’ve been through it all. Trades, absences: we were entitled to everything, and we still finished 8th in the West. Without our best player, and even our best two technically, given that PG has only played around 30 games.
Sans Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, it’s a real band that was born under the orders of Tyronn Lue. It will therefore be necessary to watch him carefully next season with the two returning superstars, and undoubtedly Nic by their side!
Visibly satisfied at the Clippers despite the premature end of the season, Nicolas Batum does not plan to pack up this summer. Barely has his offseason started, the Frenchie is already showing his ambitions for next year in LA!
