France’s Nicolas Batum to miss game vs Gilas

MANILA, Philippines — France Assistant coach Ruddy Nelhomme confirmed to Rappler that NBA player Nicolas Batum will not suit up for their FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament match versus the Philippines on Tuesday, July 5, citing “contract concerns.”

“He’s in our roster but he won’t play. Contract concerns. He also won’t play in our next match versus New Zealand (on July 7),” said Nelhomme, who has been with France head coach Vincent Collet’s staff since 2010.  

Batum just completed a contract renegotiation with the Charlotte Hornets that will pay him US $120 million for the next 5 years. Batum won’t be able to sign his new contract until July 7; the date allowed by the NBA. 

Nelhomme confirmed that Batum will fly to Manila only after the contract is signed. “So if he plays, maybe for our third game. If we make it to the semi-finals,” added the coach. 

“It’s a tough situation,” described the coach, “Not having Rudy Gobert, Evan Fournier, and other guys. But it is what it is. Life moves on. We play.” 

The 6-foot-8 Batum was drafted 25th overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets but was immediately traded to the Portland Trailblazers. The Lisieux, France-born Batum made a name for himself as a two-way guard for the Portland Trailblazers in his first 6 seasons. After a rough seventh campaign for the Oregon-based club, he was traded to Charlotte where he was reborn. 

“We could use him, but for now he is unavailable,” summed up Nelhomme. – Rappler.com