PHILADELPHIA — The big trade between the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers in October featured James Harden being sent to his desired destination. It was a tumultuous summer for him and the Sixers, but he got what he wanted.
In the deal, the Sixers received a slew of draft picks and helpful players: Nic Batum, KJ Martin, Robert Covington and Marcus Morris Sr. Since the trade, Morris was traded at the deadline, and Covington has been dealing with a knee injury. Batum and Martin have played major roles, however.
As Batum returns to LA to face his former Clippers team on Sunday, he reflected on his time on the West Coast and the little over four seasons he spent there.
“Of course, it’s special to go back to a team you have good memories with,” Batum told Sixers Wire. “I have good memories there. So it’s gonna be special, for sure.”
With that being said, don’t expect some sort of revenge game from Batum. He just wants to play basketball and help the Sixers get a win.
“It’s just a regular game at that point,” he laughed. “It is. When you’re young, you’re like ‘Oh! Revenge game!’ Revenge game. What am I gonna do? Score 40?”
Considering Batum’s career-high is 35 points, it would be tough to see him scoring 40 at this stage of his career. So he does have a point!
During his time in Philadelphia, Batum has been a terrific piece. He is a respected veteran who knows when and where to space on the offensive end, provides stingy defense and makes the right decisions with the basketball. He has been a helpful addition.
While he has enjoyed his time in Philadelphia, the trade was a difficult considering everything that was going on personally for him.
“It wasn’t my choice!” Batum laughed when asked to reflect on the trade. “I didn’t ask to be here, but it’s good. … When you go to another team, you have to be a pro. I’m gonna do my job and it’s a good situation. I got traded to a good team and we’ve had some up-and-down injuries, but it’s a good situation.”
Batum has been the definition of a professional, and he has performed well in whatever role coach Nick Nurse asks of him. The ask on Sunday is a much-needed win over the Clippers.
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