France’s Nicolas Batum could miss Olympic Qualifiers in Manila

MANILA, Philippines – One of the stronger teams coming to Manila for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in July may be without its most versatile player.

According to international basketball reporter David Pick, France forward Nicolas Batum has yet to make a decision on whether or not he’s going to play for his national team in this summer’s Olympic games.

Source: Hornets Frenchman Nicolas Batum undecided on Olympic Games, might withdraw.

— David Pick (@IAmDPick) March 29, 2016

Pick does not signify in his tweet if Batum is uncertain about playing this entire summer as a whole or just the Olympics itself in August. Though it’s likely the former, because France has to win the Manila OQT to begin with for a slot in the men’s basketball tournament of the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Veteran point guard Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs has already committed to the team, but their chances at winning take a dip without the all-around threat of Batum.

The 27-year-old Batum has consistently played for France over the past few years. He saw action for the national team in the 2012 London Olympics, the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain, and the EuroBasket tournaments of 2011, 2013, and 2015. 

The main reason why Batum may sit out this summer is likely because he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent. Typically, the free agency period of the NBA begins on July 1 and recruitment of players last for a week or so, which coincides with the July 4-10 schedule of the OQT in Manila. 

Batum, who was traded to the Charlotte Hornets prior to this NBA season, has had a stellar season with averages of 15.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.7 assists a game while shooting 36% from deep. Also known as solid defender and the ideal type of small forward in today’s NBA, the Frenchman is expected to earn a huge contract this summer, especially with the NBA cap about to rise. 

It’s also noteworthy that Batum is playing well for a team which is most likely making the playoffs, so he could be playing in this NBA season up to May or June, depending on how far the Hornets get. Rest may also be a factor why the versatile forward opts to sit out the summer games.

France, Philippines, and New Zealand are in Group B of the Manila OQT, while Turkey, Senegal, and Canada comprise Group A. Turin, Italy and Belgrade, Serbia will hold the other two Olympic Qualifiers. – Rappler.com