Charlotte Hornets: Batum Provides Stability

The Charlotte Hornets are seeing some good recent play from Nicolas Batum and they need more around it.

No, the Charlotte Hornets did not beat the Brooklyn Nets. By all rights they should have, but the Nets game and the Bulls that proceeded had some positive signs for the Hornets as the year continues. Those positive signs point to a single player- Nicolas Batum.

The concerns with Batum date back to his contract signing in the summer. Batum had a great year last year, but that was a contract year. Given the willingness of the Trail Blazers to part with him, one could wonder if his good play would advance beyond last season or would he play with less concern now that the max contract was in hand.

There was even his performance in the Olympics, but that was mostly written off as he was being misused by the French National Team.

More from Charlotte Hornets

• Charlotte Hornets: Return would have provided valuable experience
• Charlotte Hornets: Regrading the 2010 NBA Draft
• Charlotte Hornets win what could be final game of the season
• Charlotte Hornets: Tank now or buzz towards the playoffs?
• Charlotte Hornets travel to face Pistons with focus on the future

The Hornets have been living on the production of Kemba Walker so far this season, but it was fair to wonder if Walker would be able to score thirty consistently. Now that the answer seems to be no, the Hornets need more help. The natural place to look is at Batum.

Against the Bulls, Batum scored his first triple-double of the year. He led the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists to do so. Since Batum has a game that could get a triple-double, it was satisfying to see him actually put one in the books.

More from Old North Banter

• Carolina Panthers: Secondary battles to watch in training camp 2020
• Carolina Panthers: 2020 training camp kicks off on Tuesday
• NC Colleges Provide Coronavirus Results from Athletic Departments
• Court alleges Zion’s Stepfather received $400k
• UNC Football gets Commitment from Top Cornerback

Against the Nets, Batum led scoring with twenty-four though his shooting from the three point line was just two of six. His rebound and assist numbers were cut in half from the previous performance but they were still decent at five each. Batum also had three steals in the game.

So there are two elements of Hornets success that have been showed this season. Walker’s offense and Batum’s versatility. The trouble with the last two games is that they have not been on display together. Once that happens, the Hornets can start longer winning streaks again.