Nicolas Batum will be returning to the Los Angeles Clippers. On Wednesday, the team added the veteran forward, as well as forward Derrick Jones Jr. and guard Kevin Porter Jr., to their roster.
Batum’s Return
Batum appeared in 60 games for both the Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers last season, with averages of 5.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. He was involved in the deal that resulted in James Harden joining the Clippers. Batum, a Frenchman aged 35, is among just seven current NBA players who have achieved 10,000 points, 5,000 rebounds, and 1,500 3-pointers. He attributes his career revival to Clippers coach Tyronn Lue and hesitated to depart from the team.
Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank stated that finding a connector with a higher IQ than Nico is difficult. Last year, we didn’t want to lose him and his absence was deeply felt. Our fans and we both appreciate the way he plays the game correctly. We are excited to have the battalion return.
Derrick Jones Jr.’s Arrival
Derrick Jones Jr. signed up with the Clippers as well. During the previous season with the Dallas Mavericks. He had his best performance averaging 8.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and one assist per game in 76 games. Jones played in 22 playoff matches, scoring an average of 9.1 points, grabbing 3.5 rebounds, and dishing out 1.2 assists, as the Mavericks were defeated by the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. The 27-year-old has previously played for Phoenix, Miami, Portland, and Chicago and clinched victory in the 2020 NBA Slam Dunk competition.
Kevin Porter Jr.’s New Chapter
Kevin Porter Jr. also agreed to join the Clippers. Porter encountered legal troubles and was not playing for Cleveland when the 2020-21 season began. He was later moved to Houston during that same season. In 2023, Porter faced serious charges of assault and strangulation, which led to him being traded to Oklahoma City. The Thunder released him, and he competed internationally last year, achieving 22 points, 9.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 2.8 steals in Greece.
In January, Porter agreed to a plea deal for a misdemeanor charge of reckless assault. Which mandated his completion of a program ordered by the court. The Seattle native, who is 24 years old. He played college basketball at Southern California and was selected with the 30th overall pick in the 2019 draft. He has played in a total of 196 games between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets. With average statistics of 15.3 points, 5.0 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals.
Looking Ahead
Through the addition of these new players including Nicolas Batum, the Clippers are enhancing their lineup and striving for a prosperous season. The team has an exciting future due to Batum’s experience, Jones’ athleticism, and Porter’s potential.
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