5 Potential Timberwolves free agent targets with ties to Rudy Gobert
By Austin McGee
3. Nicolas Batum
Nicolas Batum is the only player on the list to not play alongside his fellow countryman in the NBA. However, Batum and Gobert first shared the floor in 2014—playing for France in the FIBA World Cup. Since then, the duo have shared the court for numerous FIBA and Olympic events.
While Batum's NBA career may not last much longer, he remains a serviceable addition to any squad. This past season, the 6-foot-8 forward appeared in 60 contests and averaged 5.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. He also knocked down 39.5 percent of his triples.
Although his stats were pedestrian, he was a valuable contributor on both ends of the floor. Batum's game even elevated in the playoffs. The French forward saw his minute, point, rebound, and three-point makes increase in six postseason appearances.
Like Ingles, Batum is a solid three-point shooter and connective passer. In addition to passing and spot-up shotmaking, the lanky wing is a talented defender. At 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, Batum can effectively defend three positions despite his age.
This past season, Batum's opponents shot two percent worse when defended by the veteran wing. And like his counting stats, Batum's defense was also better in the postseason. He limited his matchups to an 11 percentage point decrease on field goal attempts.
It's all but likely Batum will spend the rest of his career on one-year deals. Why not join the best French player on a contending team? As a versatile forward, Batum's fit in Minnesota feels picturesque—especially as an Anderson replacement.