Batum Surpasses Kobe: 3-Point Milestone Looms

If we had to explain the expression of a 3&D player to someone, we would then have to suggest that our interlocutor watch a Nicolas Batum game at the Clippers. Because the 3&D is the player who does the dirty work in defense, while being capable of penalizing 3-pointers when necessary.

95% of his shots are taken from 3-point range

For good reason, the metamorphosis of the Norman veteran (37 years old) is hardly believable. Formerly an athletic phenomenon, capable of regularly attacking the circle, the former captain of the Blues now revels in his role as an elite shooter, used at the end of the chain, preferably in the corner.

PLAYER PROFILE

Post(s): Winger / Strong Winger

Size: 203 cm

Age: 37 ans (14/12/1988)

Nationalities:

Thus, Nicolas Batum took more than 95% of his shots behind the increased line this season, or 102 of his 107 attempts. An incredible ratio, which has exploded in recent years: long confined to around 45% during the first part of his career, he has moved further and further away from the circle over the years, already regularly at 85%.

The share of Nicolas Batum’s 3-point shots in the NBA:

• 2008/09 (Portland) : 46,5%
• 2009/10 (Portland) : 49,3%
• 2010/11 (Portland) : 42,4%
• 2011/12 (Portland) : 42,7%
• 2012/13 (Portland) : 53,3%
• 2013/14 (Portland) : 49,1%
• 2014/15 (Portland) : 51,5%
• 2015/16 (Charlotte) : 45,7%
• 2016/17 (Charlotte) : 41,5%
• 2017/18 (Charlotte) : 42,1%
• 2018/19 (Charlotte) : 53%
• 2019/20 (Charlotte) : 60,5%
• 2020/21 (Los Angeles) : 66.1%
• 2021/22 (Los Angeles) : 69.8%
• 2022/23 (Los Angeles) : 83.2%
• 2023/24 (Los Angeles and Philadelphia): 72.5%
• 2024/25 (Los Angeles) : 85.3%
• 2025/26 (Los Angeles, ongoing): 95.3%

Where this ratio is striking is because Nicolas Batum has not taken the slightest 2-point shot in 16 games, not even a lay-up or a dunk! To find traces of an attempt by the tricolor in the racket, we have to go back to November 14, where he took advantage of a confusion by the Mavs after the interval of the second overtime of a match in Dallas to go alone to the circle.

“If I shoot 40% from 3-point range, I’ll play for a good while…”

But since then, the Clippers winger has been confined to an exclusive offensive use: shooting behind the 6.75 meter line. For good reason, since this Texan lay-up, Nicolas Batum has taken his last 63 3-point shots! For an excellent success (42.9%), which amply justifies this sniper role.

“Before, I was really a point forward for years”he recently told Basket USA. “Ball in hand, creation. And suddenly, I went to station 4, making screens. Now, my goal is really to tell myself that I can defend on positions 1 to 5 and shoot 40% from 3-point range. If I do, I’ll play for a while. For now, this is what has been happening for 5 years. I can defend from 1 to 5 and I shoot 40% from 3-point range. In addition, I have a sense of the game. I can play without a ball. I manage to be in the spaces. I manage to be appreciated by superstars, coaches and all that. So, that suits me. »

Soon in the Top 30 in history

By finding the target twice Tuesday night against the franchise that drafted him (in 25th position, in 2008), Nicolas Batum climbed an additional step in the hierarchy of the most prolific 3-point shooters in history. With now 1,789 long-distance successes to his credit, the man with 18 seasons in the Association has surpassed double NBA All-Star Rashard Lewis.

Here he is now at the gates of the Top 30, with a prestigious target: the legendary Kobe Bryant, who stopped 1,827 successful 3-point shots in his career with the Lakers (excluding playoffs). With 53 games remaining this season, at his current pace (1.4 shots per game), Nicolas Batum should not only be able to overtake the late Kobe by the end of the year, but also Chauncey Billups (1,830) and Wesley Matthews (1,845), or even his ex-teammate Chris Paul (1,875) if he does not retire… If that can provide a better understanding the incredible longevity of Batman in the NBA!