Nicolas Batum is calling it a career after 18 seasons in the NBA.
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The longtime forward announced his retirement Monday with a video posted to social media. Batum leaves the game after establishing himself as one of the league's most versatile and dependable role players.
The Houston Rockets selected Batum with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft before trading his rights to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Batum spent his first seven NBA seasons in Portland, developing into a productive two-way forward capable of scoring, defending multiple positions and creating opportunities for teammates.
He joined the Charlotte Hornets in 2015 and spent five seasons with the organization. Batum later revitalized his career with the Los Angeles Clippers, becoming an important veteran contributor during the franchise's run to the 2021 Western Conference Finals.
He also played one season with the Philadelphia 76ers before returning to Los Angeles.
Batum averaged 9.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists during his NBA career. He finished with 11,553 points while playing for four franchises.
The 6-foot-8 Frenchman also enjoyed a decorated international career. Batum helped France win silver medals at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, along with two bronze medals at the FIBA World Cup and gold at EuroBasket 2013.
His memorable last-second block against Slovenia in the 2021 Olympic semifinals sent France to the gold-medal game.
Batum's numbers never told the entire story. His defense, passing and willingness to accept nearly any assignment helped keep him in the league for almost two decades.
