The Philadelphia 76ers have been looking very good so far this season and are currently the second-best team in the East with a 10-3 record.
When it comes to the roster, the team looks very similar to how it did last season, although obviously, James Harden has left.
Nicolas Batum is a newcomer to the Sixers and, according to Joel Embiid, he’s very important.
On Twitter, the team shared a quote from Embiid that celebrated Batum.
“He’s the key. He’s special. The way we play, he just fits everything we need. Great shooter, great defender, great passer, great basketball IQ,” Embiid said of Batum.
“he’s the key. he’s special. the way we play, he just fits everything we need. great shooter, great defender, great passer, great basketball IQ.” – @JoelEmbiid on @nicolas88batum
GAMEDAY REPORT | @NJMIns ⤵️https://t.co/jqmKijTWdi
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) November 21, 2023
So far this season, Batum has posted 4.9 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.
At 34 years old and with 15 years under his belt, Batum is playing about 25 minutes per game and has only started in two games.
According to Embiid, his minutes on the floor have really counted and have really helped.
Throughout his career, Batum has played for the Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, and Los Angeles Clippers.
When he came to the 76ers, it was at a time when team chemistry was needed more than ever.
The mess that revolved around Harden had cast the squad into uncertainty and there were plenty of people expecting very disappointing things from Philadelphia this season.
But Batum has worked hard to bring a lot of leadership and team-building to the bench.
There are now many fans pleasantly surprised by how happy the team seems and how well they are performing together.
Batum might not be scoring the most points or playing the most minutes but he is definitely having an impact on his new team.
NEXT:
76ers Star Is Matching A Superstar In His 4th NBA Season