After the elimination of the Clippers during the play-in tournament, Nicolas Batum returned to an interview on this season rich in twists and turns on Hollywood Boulevard. Interviewed by Joey Linn, insider of the Clippers, he gives himself up with an open heart. Debrief.
The Clippers have had a tough season. Deprived of Kawhi Leonard since the semi-final against the Jazz in 2021, and of Paul George for several months, they could not count on their two main elements to apply the initial plan: to make their way to the ring . But the team fought hard and gritted their teeth to play the play-in properly. Lack of luck – but especially of executives – the squadron of Tyronn Lue logically bowed against the Wolves, before falling into the trap of the Pelicans. A cruel defeat that sends them on vacation. The spirit freed from the pressure of ambitions, Nicolas Batum took the opportunity to take stock of this season, at the microphone of Joey Linn.
“The Covid, the injuries, the returns, everything. It was cool. We’ve been through it all. Transfers, absent players. Man, we got it all. We remain eighth in the West without our two best players. Really, without our two best players. I like this team. I have been here for two years now. I was almost out of the League. It’s been two different years, but I loved it. I like being here with the coach and these guys. It was a difficult stage, but next year will be fun. –Nicolas Batum
Despite the defeat, Nicolas Batum looks to be taking things on the bright side and setting up one for the future. A future that looks bright for the Clippers because the two seriously injured will be back on their feet for the start of the 2022-23 season. The role players of experience will be, except cataclysm, always present. And above all, this conquering state of mind must perpetuate in order to aspire to the summits of the West. In view of this statement, we can imagine that Nico Batum will take his player option three million dollars and commit to a third year with the Clippers. He is so good there. His first two seasons were great, the Frenchman found colors there. He somehow re-explained his profile, his role and his usefulness to the youngest, who did not necessarily understand the interest that the best franchises had in him when he left Charlotte. Real defensive added value, Nico quickly found his place and his role in this locker room. Bringing his experience, his fighting spirit and his rigor within a group that came out of a big choke in the Playoffs: less by less gave more. We just have to see what next year has in store for him.
With superstars, experienced players, a few young people and a coach who has his hands on his group, the 2022-23 Clippers will be in the big fish for the next fiscal year.
Source text : Joey Linn
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