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Nic Batum’s Social Media Message After Sixers’ Loss to Knicks

Nic Batum sends a message to Sixers fans on social media.

Justin Grasso

Apr 17, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nicolas Batum (40) drives
Apr 17, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nicolas Batum (40) drives / Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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After the Philadelphia 76ers’ Game 6 loss against the New York Knicks on Thursday night, a handful of players are left unclear on what happens next.

Sixers forward Nic Batum joins a list of players who will see their contract expire at the end of the league year. And when free agency opens up, Batum will be available.

For now, the veteran forward is looking back on his time spent with the Sixers and looking forward to the Paris Olympics, where he’ll represent his country on an international stage.

“Unfortunately, this is not the way we’d like the season to end, but we tried to give everything we’ve got. Much love and respect to the City of Brotherly Love.”

Batum’s run with the Sixers started back in November. On the final day of October, the veteran was included in a blockbuster trade between the Sixers and the Los Angeles Clippers.

As the Sixers cut the James Harden era short by sending him out West alongside PJ Tucker and Filip Petrusev, the Sixers landed Batum, KJ Martin, Marcus Morris, and Robert Covington in return.

Among the three, Batum had the biggest impact. In 57 games, he collected 38 starts and averaged 26 minutes on the floor. During that time, the veteran produced six points, four rebounds, and two assists on average. Batum knocked down 40 percent of his threes and 46 percent of his shots from the field.

It’s clear Batum still has a lot left in the tank and still brings a ton of value to a team in need of a high-IQ veteran. After having him on board for more than half of the season, the Sixers should look into bringing Batum back for another run next year.

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Justin Grasso

JUSTIN GRASSO

Title: Credentialed writer/reporter covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation Email: JustinGrasso32@Gmail.com Location: Philadelphia, PA Expertise: Reporting, insight, and analysis on the Sixers and the NBA  Justin Grasso is a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation.  Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writer’s Association.  Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoNBA