Charlotte Hornets Continue Roster Revamp, Acquires Nicolas Batum

The Charlotte Hornets have reportedly acquired Nicolas Batum from the Portland Trailblazers, someone who is expected to fill in the void left by Lance Stephenson.

Batum was acquired by the Hornets in exchange for Gerald Henderson and project player Noah Vonleh who are now with the Portland Trailblazers. His entry provides the Hornets with some outside artillery since the 7-year NBA veteran has been known for 3-point sniping. Though he had a disappointing season, his entry into the Hornets offers him a chance to redeem himself from last season as he finds himself in a totally new environment.

The athlete is a 6-foot-8 small forward who can play the off guard position. His size and capability makes him a versatile addition to the Hornets, something the team had hoped to get from Lance Stephenson last year.

The Hornets are in need of outside shooters to help free up the inside for big man Al Jefferson.

According to general manager Richard Cho, Batum will likely start at the two-guard position since Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will keep his starting small forward position.

Batum had spent all his seven seasons with the Blazers. Despite a so-so season, Batum put up average numbers (9.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists). Known for being one of the Blazers outside threats, Batum played with a wrist injury and such seemingly affected his shooting touch.

Aside from his flexible size, Batum brings as well the needed experience that the Hornets will need. And at just 26, Cho and the Hornets believe that Batum is still a work-in-progress and has plenty more to offer in the coming years.

Batum was selected 25th pick by the Houston Rockets during the 2008 NBA Draft but was later on traded to the Blazers in exchange for Darrell Arthur and Joey Dorsey. Prior to his entry to the NBA, Batum also had stints in the French League for Le Mans.

For the Blazers, the acquisition of Gerald Henderson Jr. likewise brings some optimism after the 2009 first round draft pick opted in on his final year with the Hornets.

Henderson is expected to take over from Wes Matthews who is currently a free agent. After seeing a dip in his scoring output last year, Henderson gets the chance to rebound with the Blazers. He averaged 12.1 points and 3.4 last season while also holding a 33.4 percent clip from the three point region.

Vonleh was originally a project player for the Hornets and it remains to be seen what is in store for him over in Portland though he could be a back-up forward or center. Vonleh was a 9th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers.