French fans cheer as Nicolas Batum #5 of Team France (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Nicolas Batum’s storied international career ended at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the 35-year-old forward played his final game for the French national team. Batum's career with Les Bleus spanned over a decade and was marked by consistent success on the international stage. His ability to impact games as a versatile forward made him a cornerstone of the national team for years.
In the gold medal game, France faced Team USA, and Batum contributed 5 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists in a 98-87 loss. Despite falling short, Batum’s leadership and composure were evident throughout the contest. Following the game, Batum officially announced his retirement from international play during an interview with France Télévisions, signaling the end of an era for French basketball. His decision to retire on home soil added a layer of poignancy to his final appearance.
A Decorated Career with Les Bleus
Batum's international career is decorated with accolades, underscoring his contributions to French basketball. Alongside his silver medal from Paris 2024, Batum captured another silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. He also earned bronze medals at the 2014 and 2019 FIBA World Cups and a gold medal at EuroBasket 2013. His trophy cabinet includes silver from EuroBasket 2011 and bronze from EuroBasket 2015, making him one of the most decorated players in French basketball history.
Amid a tremendous generation of French basketball talent, Batum sees excellent potential for the national team. He credits the generation he had to look up to, including Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Tony Parker and Boris Diaw, as inspirational figures for his success.
“I think every generation has someone to look up to and inspire us. For me, it was Tony, Boris—guys like that," Batum told RG. “When they got drafted, it felt possible. I thought, if I work hard, I can make it too. We come in, have success, and then you see each generation after that continue to follow. We're close-knit. We come back and talk to the next generation, share what we know, and help each other succeed. Pretty much every draft, there's someone.”
Parker was an undeniable talent that captivated many in France. After seeing Parker drafted No. 28 overall in 2001, Batum, who was 13 then, experienced firsthand the belief that reaching the NBA was possible. Parker became a four-time NBA champion, a six-time All-Star, and a four-time All-NBA nominee.
Batum sees quality development at the youth level, helping establish proper fundamentals and approaches to the game. The current figure taking basketball by storm for this French generation to look up to is Victor Wembanyama, who is off to a historic start to his career for the San Antonio Spurs.
“Last year, we had Victor, and I think there are more good players coming up,” Batum explained. “In France, they do a good job teaching the game and preparing players from a young age. It makes a big difference.”
Historic NBA Draft for France
That reputation was on full display at the 2024 NBA Draft. Within minutes of the event's start at Barclays Center, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the names of two French players, Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr, as the first and second overall picks. A few selections later, Paris native Tidjane Salaun went sixth overall to the Charlotte Hornets. By the end of the first round, Pacome Dadiet had been selected 25th by the New York Knicks, bringing the total to four French players drafted in the first round, a record-setting achievement.
Batum acknowledged the significance of this new wave of talent. He even referenced how his son, who is eight, is a fan of this generation, continuing the cycle of each chapter in the story of French basketball leading into the next.
“I could retire peacefully from the national team. I don't have to play every summer because there's a new generation coming up,” Batum stated to RG. “Good guys are coming in the next draft. I feel like I've done my job for the country. I tried to inspire the young guys. They tell me they watched me when they were younger, and I like that. My son is eight, and he's a fan of this generation now. It's great for the country.”
Gobert's Impact and Wembanyana's Potential
Batum praised his long-time teammate Rudy Gobert, underscoring the center’s significance to France’s success. Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, is not only one of Wembanyama's inspirations. During their experiences together, Batum appreciates his battles with Gobert as a national team teammate.
“We've had a lot of success because of him. Trust me, I've played in big games with him, and he's won us a lot of them,” Batum expressed to RG. “His presence on defense is huge, but we also use him on offense. He's a monster on defense, and I love playing with him.”
While Gobert has anchored great defenses in unparalleled ways, Batum sees Wembanyama's skill set as even more versatile as an all-around defender. At 32, Gobert appears to have a window for competing alongside Wembanyama while being two of the best rim protectors in the world for now.
“The rim protection is similar. Victor has more ability to do different things on defense—he's unique,” Batum told about Wembanyama.
“Those two guys really stand out when it comes to rim protection. They're definitely top two in the world at doing that.”
Wembanyama's talent defies traditional logic on offense and defense. He's a dynamic perimeter shooter despite being 7-foot-3, and he has off-the-dribble talent and developing passing ability. What impresses Batum the most about Wembanyama is his maturity at a young age.
“I always say he's mature,” Batum told about Wembanyama. “He knows who he is, what he has to become, and what he needs to do to get there. It's not easy to understand that at a young age, but he does. That's why I'm not worried about him.”
Ending on a High Note
Playing in Paris provided Batum with a fitting conclusion to his international career. Representing France in front of a home crowd was a capstone of his career, reinforcing his status as a national icon. His career ended with a Silver medal.
“Playing in the Olympics is always special, but playing in your home country is insane. It's one of the best experiences I've had as a basketball player,” Batum told. “If you can play in the Olympics, do it. If it's in your home country, you have to do it.”
Grant Afseth
