Charlotte Hornets

Nicolas Batum’s Role Needs to Change if the Hornets Want to Make Playoffs

Russ Isabella/USA TODAY Sports

For the majority of the season, Nicolas Batum was probably the Charlotte Hornets’ best all-around player, but a toe injury has limited his effectiveness and made him a detriment at times. This isn’t intended as an insult, but as an acknowledgment of his drop-off over the last month or so. Compounding the issue, the injury seems to be one that’ll linger throughout the season.

Although the injuries are different, Batum’s current predicament seems to mirror the situation he faced with the Portland Trail Blazers last year. He had to deal with a wrist injury for the majority of the season and was severely limited because of it, and he often proved to be a liability on the offensive end when he was on the court. If Charlotte intends to remain in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt, a reduction in Batum’s role and usage is at least worth considering.

This may sound like an overreaction since a certain amount of slippage is expected in the face of injury, but Batum’s numbers have virtually cratered since being diagnosed with the sprained toe. Of the 19 games since then, he’s played in 11 and only broke double-digits in scoring five times. His per-game averages during that span are 9.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists.

As you could’ve probably guessed, his advanced stats haven’t fared too well either. In January, the Hornets managed to score 102.5 points per 100 possessions when he was on the court while allowing a disastrous 106.7 points, per NBA.com. Even worse, he’s turned the ball over 16.8 times per 100 possessions in his role as a playmaker and ball handler.

It’s not realistic to expect Batum to be shut down for an extended period of time as the Hornets chase a playoff spot, but he can’t operate in his current role as long as the injury is affecting him to this extent. Kemba Walker is performing beyond expectations and having an All-Star worthy campaign, so it’s unfair to burden him with more responsibility, especially now that he’s dealing with a sore knee. At least until Batum makes a proper recovery, or at least until Batum learns how to cope with the injury, Charlotte should consider moving secondary playmaking and ball handling duties to Jeremy Lin.

While starting Lin and moving Batum to the bench may hamper the team’s defense, the offense may remain unaffected, or even improve. Lin is currently recovering from an ankle sprain, but he hasn’t shown any significant signs of needing a long recovery. Walker and Lin could take over the majority of the offensive responsibilities while Batum can shift to a more supportive role where he spreads the floor with his shooting and cutting ability.

Lin may not stuff the stat sheet as well as Batum does when fully healthy, but he’s not that far off. In Lin’s time as a primary ball handler, or point guard, Lin has averaged 19.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists per 36 minutes according to Nylon Calculus (through games played on 1/29). Also, with Lin at the point, the Hornets score 7.6 more points per 48 minutes than their opponent.

The only problem that may arise is working out the dynamic between Walker and Lin. Both are ball-dominant guards, and up until now Lin has played a secondary role to Walker when they’re on the court. That would have to change if Lin was to inherit Batum’s responsibilities for a time. Lin isn’t as effective in an off-ball role, but now with Walker’s improved shooting, their partnership may prove more successful than it’s currently been.

Regardless of Lin’s candidacy as Batum’s replacement, the Frenchman just isn’t healthy enough and needs to recuperate. In his current state, he can’t be the player Charlotte needs him to be and was at the beginning of the season. It’s in both the team and Batum’s best interest if he passed the reins to his teammates.

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