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Nic Batum started as a small-ball center for the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 4 against the Dallas Mavericks, and the move paid off big time. Interestingly, Batum has Draymond Green and Boris Diaw to thank for his performance.
According to Batum, before he took on the starting center role, he watched a lot of Green and Diaw clips in order to prepare himself for the big task. Per Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN, the veteran forward specifically asked for films of the two since he believes they are the best examples where he can learn to use his skills effectively.
Nic Batum said he requested film of Boris Diaw and Draymond Green the past few days before Game 4 to see how to play the center position undersized but be able to use his versatility the best because he felt those two have done that the best to prep him to start at center.
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) May 31, 2021
Nic Batum scored only 10 points and did not record a single assist, but he made his presence felt on other areas of the floor. He recorded five rebounds, four steals and two blocks in what was an impressive defensive display that limited the Mavs to just 81 points.
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George anchored the scoring with 29 and 20, respectively; however, Batum had a higher plus-minus rating than George and was even tied with Leonard at Plus-27 in the game.
It's still unknown whether the Clippers will stick with Batum at center, but given how effective it is as proven by their 25-point blowout of Dallas, it might benefit them to keep rolling with him. Why fix something that's not broken, right?
Of course the Mavs are expected to make some adjustments in the crucial Game 5 in LA, but there's reason to believe Batum has not reached his full potential in his role after one game. Who knows, it might be something they can use should the team make it deeper in the playoffs.
