Nicolas Batum
Nicolas Batum is a French professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA. He also plays for the French national team and won silver medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics. Batum was born in Lisieux, France, to a French mother and a Cameroonian‑born father who was a pro player. His father died in 1991 while Batum was a small child.
He began his pro career with Le Mans Sarthe in France (2006–2008). He was drafted 25th overall in 2008 by the Houston Rockets and immediately traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he played until 2015 (with a brief 2011 loan to SLUC Nancy during the NBA lockout).
Batum joined the Charlotte Hornets in 2015 and stayed there until 2020. He signed a five‑year, $120 million contract in 2016. He had several memorable games, including multiple triple‑ doubles and strong all‑around play.
In 2020 he moved to the Los Angeles Clippers, re‑signing with them in 2021 and again in 2022. He was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in November 2023, then returned to the Clippers in 2024. He signed another two‑year contract with the Clippers in July 2024. In the 2024–25 season he appeared in 78 games (8 starts) for Los Angeles, averaging 4.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists.
Batum is known for his defense and his ability to guard multiple positions. He stands about 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) and is valued for his intelligence on the court, passing, and willingness to do the little things that help a team win. He has also contributed off the court, taking roles with basketball organizations in France.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 19:50 (CET).