With NBA free agency in full swing, roster decisions are being made all around the league. One veteran that Philadelphia hoped to resign, Nico Batum, reportedly will not be returning to the Sixers.
Kelly Iko of the Athletic has reported that Batum won’t be returning to Philly, even though it was anticipated that he would. Iko’s tweet did not say Batum would be retiring, but it may be a big blow to a team that hoped to use his versatility again in 2024-25.
Batum came to Philadelphia last season as a part of the James Harden deal and was counted on to do many things for Nick Nurse and this squad. He averaged 5.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
Although his averages were low, much of what he did for the Sixers last season didn’t show up in the stat sheet. He was a quick-trigger shooter, moved the ball immediately when he didn’t have anything, and was able to pick up the opponent’s best perimeter option on most nights. He also seemed to be one of the few guys on the team who could get a clean entry pass into Joel Embiid or get the ball inbounds in a crucial late-game situation.
Batum will always be remembered fondly in Philadelphia for his clutch performance in the play-in game against the Miami Heat to clinch the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. He scored 20 points, pulled down 5 rebounds, and hit 6 three-pointers. He singlehandedly helped turn the game around in the second half and made the crucial block on Tyler Herro late to all but seal the game. He was a fan and coaches favorite and will be missed on the roster.
