Captain of the French team for several years, Nicolas Batum has been closely following the performances of his compatriots over the months.

He was therefore able to draw up his ranking of the French players at the end of the Paris Olympic Games.

Based on his wife’s comments last summer, this 2023-24 season could be considered the last of his career. Nicolas Batum was therefore undoubtedly keen to achieve new goals in recent months, but also to win a few titles.

However, whether with the 76ers or the French team, each of his quests ultimately remained unfinished despite more than honorable careers.

Nicolas Batum reveals his Top 3 French players of the year

Eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs, Batum subsequently won a nice silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games.

A relatively decent record, without however proving to be up to that of some of his compatriots. He himself indirectly admitted this in recent hours, when reacting to the Alain Gilles Trophy vote designating the best French player of the year:

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For Batman, Mathias Lessort would therefore deserve this reward following his great season with Panathinaikos and the Blues.

Because in addition to the silver won at the Olympics, the French center became champion of Greece and winner of the EuroLeague with his club, in which he played a very big role.

Enough to succeed Victor Wembanyama, ranked 3rd by his elder despite his coronation of Rookie of the Year in the NBA.

Also in second position is Gabby Williams, dazzling in LFB despite injuries and preponderant in the 2nd place acquired by the French women’s team at the Games.

There is no doubt that this Top 3, like any list of this kind, will be the subject of disputes on social networks. Nico’s wife, for example, made sure to put him in the spotlight in her vote:

For Nicolas Batum, Mathias Lessort deserves to succeed Victor Wembanyama in the Alain Gilles Trophy.

A distinction that the big man would clearly not have stolen, he who is coming off a memorable season both at club level and with the French team.