Prospect Name: Nicolas Batum
Country: France
Position: SF/SG
Height: 6’8’’
Weight: 215 lbs.
Age: 19
2007-2008 Statistics: 8.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.5 SPG, 45.3% FG, 29% 3FG

Key Strengths

• Size/Length
• Great Athlete
• Strong Finisher
• Good Slasher
• Defensive Potential
• High Upside

Key Weaknesses

• Heart Problems?
• Very Raw
• Outside Shooting
• Toughness Has Been Questioned
• Inconsistent
• Long-Term Project

Outlook: At this time last year, Nicolas Batum was widely thought of as a lottery pick. He has drawn comparisons to Joe Johnson, Rudy Gay, and even Grant Hill due to his tremendous upside, size, and freakish athleticism. However, teams may be reluctant to take him that high nowadays, as recent reports state that Batum could have a heart condition. When Batum was a child, his father died playing basketball with similar concerns. Rumors now suggest that Batum he could very well fall all the way down to the second round.

Regardless of where he is selected, Batum is not expected to come in and contribute right away. The 19-year old swingman is filled with loads of potential, but that potential is currently untapped. He’s not a long way to go, but should he fall as low as recent mock drafts have him, he could wind up being one of the steals of this draft down the line.

Fit With Celtics: If Batum is still on the board when the C’s are on the clock at 30, he’s certainly worth a look. He may even be a prospect that could be stashed overseas for a couple of seasons, while he harnesses his talent and realizes his potential. Down the line, he could once again be one of the real gems of this draft class. Should he pan out, a multitalented 6’8’’ freak athlete would be a solid replacement for Ray Allen, wouldn’t he?

One Response to “Draft Possibilities: Nicolas Batum”

1. Celtics247.com » Blog Archive » Today’s Links 6/26 Says:
   June 26th, 2008 at 9:52 am

   [...] Herald Celtics cast a big net Free agents a going concern for Celtics Danny Ainge’s top five picks Boston kids rewarded with D.C. Tour, day with Celtics Globe Celtics have the last word Ainge braces for free agency Report: Pacers’ O’Neal a Raptor Summer reading Ainge wants Posey back MetroWest Daily Celts look for late draft luck CelticsBlog Celtics Stuff Live draft show tonight 9-11 Feeling the rush on Media Day ESPN Who wins the Pacers-Raptors trade? LOY’s Place Random Draft day thoughts Hoopsworld Ainge questions impact of draft There’s value in the second round Red’s Army In appreciation of PJ Brown Lowell Sun They pick last - and Celtics happy to do so SouthCoast Today Draft has a different feel for Celts Plenty of options for Celtics Connecticut Post Can I say the “I” word now? Worcester Telegram Ainge won’t be feeling uptight Eagle Tribune Pruitt gives Celtics a first-round bonus Josh Q Public Celtics draft: Super Mario Chalmers Sporting News NBA’s best second round picks The Boston Score Draft Preps: Don’t miss out Bleacher Report Kevin Garnett: The Cal Ripkin Jr of the NBA Patriot Ledger Veteran PJ Brown may be heading into retirement Ainge working this draft like all others Enterprise Celtics are hoping for the best with the 30th pick in the draft Kentucky.com Rajon Rondo sets up camp in Lexington Action News 36 Camp Rondo just what the doctor ordered NECN DJ White a possibility for Celtics Hibbert may slip to the Celtics Boston Business Journal Doc Rivers spills fashion beans on team Norwich Bulletin Green ready for draft Blog the Coast Champion Celtics look toward the future as NBA draft looms Room of Zen Some thoughts on James Posey Sons of Bill Simmons Where is Paul Pierce? Daily Basketball Ballads and rhymes - Draft previews in 30 words CelticsNews Draft possibilities: Nicolas Batum ProJo It’s likely that Celtics will have to wait, hope Daniels is hoping he is positioned for spot in draft Advocate Williams grad Crotty shares Celtic joy Sports of Boston Celtics four point play: NBA draft preview Revolution Recap Globe’s Dell’apa reassigned to Celtics Armchair GM Don’t ignore round 2 Shamrock Headband What a difference a year makes BostonSportZ Behind the scenes of Celtics at Fenway Lex Nihil Novi Waltonless Celtics go up 3-0 over Hawks Oh brother Wedman finishes game 3 at guard Metro Through uncertainty, C’s have options [...]

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