By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Batum had played for the French team each year since he was a teenager, but he passed on the experience this summer to instead prepare for Charlotte’s season. Now, he’ll miss at least six to eight weeks with a torn ligament in his left elbow.
“I know [some] people in France are happy about it; that’s the sad part,” Batum said. “Really, for real. I got on stuff and people are happy, like I deserve it. … Trust me, I get those reactions on social media.”
But he quickly added, “I [also] got a lot of support from France and here.”
In 2009, Batum hurt his shoulder during training camp working out for France. When he returned to Portland to prepare for the NBA season with the Trail Blazers, Batum said he was told he needed surgery.
“I said, ‘No! I’ve got to play EuroBasket.”’ Batum said.