The Los Angeles Clippers have made some new signings, bringing back Nicolas Batum as well as adding guard Kevin Porter Jr. to their roster. Batum, a veteran forward, played in 60 games last season between the Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 5.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. He was involved in the trade that landed James Harden on the Clippers’ team.
Harden, a free agent, agreed to a two-year deal with a player option, confirming his stay with the Clippers. Batum, a 35-year-old French player, is among only seven current NBA players with impressive stats of 10,000 points, 5,000 rebounds, and 1,500 3-pointers. He expressed loyalty to the team and appreciation for coach Tyronn Lue for his role in reviving his career.
Clippers president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, praised Batum’s basketball IQ and his impact on the team, highlighting his importance and the connection he brings on the court. Kevin Porter Jr., the newly signed guard, spent the previous season playing in Greece, where he showcased strong stats averaging 22 points, 9.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 2.8 steals.
The 24-year-old player from Seattle previously played college basketball at the University of Southern California before being drafted as the 30th overall pick in 2019. Porter has previously played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets, participating in 196 games and averaging 15.3 points, 5.0 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals during his career in the NBA.