Apart from Joel Embiid, one of the most notable performances in the Philadelphia 76ers’ victory over the Washington Wizards on Monday came from Nic Batum. Despite his late arrival to the team due to personal reasons following the James Harden trade with the LA Clippers, the veteran forward seamlessly integrated and made an immediate impact. Batum had limited time to prepare for his debut, but that did not hinder his performance. As soon as he entered the game, Batum showcased the value he brings to the Sixers.
In his 17 minutes off the bench, Batum tallied 11 points, two rebounds, and one steal. He made all but one of his five shot attempts and successfully sank three of his four shots from beyond the three-point line. Following the victory, Joel Embiid shared his thoughts on Batum’s contribution, appreciating his readiness to shoot from long range and believing that Batum’s style of play complements him on the court.
Embiid remarked, “It’s great. Anytime you have quick-trigger shooters, it just makes it easier. Especially for me. Every team constantly tries to double-team the center, sending two or three defenders my way. Having players like Batum who can release the ball quickly and consistently make their shots is a significant asset for us.” Daryl Morey, who has been instrumental in the Sixers’ front office since taking over, has effectively surrounded Embiid with shooters. As Embiid pointed out, having someone like Batum on the court with him enhances his effectiveness.
When you have reliable three-point shooters alongside you, opposing defenses face a difficult choice. They must decide whether to focus on defending the reigning MVP or closing out on the shooters, which creates more space on the court. This increased space allows the MVP to analyze the defense and choose whether to score or create opportunities for teammates. Over the last three years, Batum has maintained an impressive nearly 40% accuracy from beyond the arc. If he can maintain this level of performance in Philadelphia, he’ll be the ideal addition to enhance the Sixers’ second unit, serving as the perfect complement to their offensive dynamics.
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