Fansided

Top 10 players setting themselves up to be overpaid

By Robert Judin

Mar 25, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) reches for a loose ball during the first ahlf against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) reches for a loose ball during the first ahlf against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 21, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) and guard Reggie Jackson (1) guard Charlotte Hornets forward Nicolas Batum (5) during the first quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) and guard Reggie Jackson (1) guard Charlotte Hornets forward Nicolas Batum (5) during the first quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Nicolas Batum

The Portland Trail Blazers had one of the most under appreciated rosters in the NBA the last few seasons. Sure, Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge were the headliners for the team, but there was one guy who didn’t get as much love as he deserved: Nicolas Batum.

Well, Aldridge bolted for the San Antonio Spurs, and the Trail Blazers reacted by trading Batum to the Charlotte Hornets for Gerald Henderson and Noah Vonleh.

Now, the Hornets are looking to give Batum all the opportunities he needs to become a consistent offensive threat in the league.

He only averaged 11 points in seven seasons with Portland, but during that time he also shot 36 percent from behind the three-point line.

Obviously, with Lillard and Aldridge, there weren’t too many chances for Batum to get in on the offensive limelight.

With Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson, there is a possibility that Batum gets sucked back into that same kind of situation. Though the Hornets have been adamant bout allowing Batum to grow offensively. He’s flashed the skill, but he just hasn’t put it all together.

Defensively, Batum has a reputation for being one of the best lockdown small forwards in the league. He’s an athletic wing who can prove to be vital in Charlotte’s transition game.

If he develops some reliability in half-court sets, that will give him some incentive to demand big bucks when he becomes a free agent after this season.

Charlotte’s roster is very intriguing and could make a lot of noise in the Eastern Conference, but it’ll be interesting to see how they handle Batum’s contract situation after giving Walker a new contract last year and with Jefferson’s contract expiring after this season, too.

Next: 5. Harrison Barnes

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