The Hidden Gem of the James Harden Trade
When Daryl Morey dealt James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers, the return package looked like a means to an upcoming move. Marcus Morris Sr. and Robert Covington didn’t look like players in their prime. Nico Batum was about to turn 35. The other roster players didn’t look like they’d be key contributors.
Credit Nick Nurse and the group of role players for flipping that narrative quickly for the Philadelphia 76ers. Joel Embiid will dominate the headlines. Tyrese Maxey is a breakout star. However, one player has quietly become arguably the most valuable role player on the roster.
Nico Batum
The 16-year NBA journeyman has brought size and versatility to the Sixers rotation. He’s become a regular in the starting lineup, averaging over 25 minutes per game just past the midway point of the 2023-24 season.
He’s exceeded his statisstical career average significantly, shooting over 50% in limited field goal attempts. Batum can take advantage of open space when defenses flock to contain Philadelphia’s stars, and he can feed Joel Embiid in the post smoothly.
Kelly Oubre Jr. has brought some athleticism to the rotation behind the top scorers, and Batum has brought the size both on the perimeter and in the paint.
Bob Cooney spoke on 97.5 The Fanatic live from the Sixers Youth Foundation Gala on Jan. 17. He made a comparison that will stir the emotion of Sixers fans wounded by a failed free agent signing of the past.
“He’s what I thought Al Horford was going to be six years ago. I’ll die on this hill. I think Brett Brown messed up the way Al Horford was used with this team. I thought he could’ve given you what Nico Batum is giving you now.” -Bob Cooney
Nick Nurse and the 76ers
Nick Nurse also spoke on The John Kincade Show in December about supplementary players in their first season with the 76ers. He praised Batum as a key part of a strong supporting cast behind Embiid and Maxey.
“Batum has given us incredible versatility defensively because he can cover so many positions…We’re still tinkering with rotations, trying to figure out who ends the first, who starts the second, who ends the third, who starts the fourth… We’ll continue to tinker with that a bit until we think we’ve got it right.” –Nick Nurse
The words of Daryl Morey don’t suggest the Sixers will make a big splash before the NBA Trade Deadline. Remarkably, the developing chemistry of their in-house options might eliminate the need for a big move.
Credit Nico Batum as arguably the top driving force behind the surprising supporting cast inspiring optimism within a previously exhausted Philadelphia fan base.
Listen to Tom McGinnis on 97.5 The Fanatic, the flagship radio partner of the Philadelphia 76ers.
