French basketball veteran Nicolas Batum has announced his retirement from the sport, bringing an end to an 18-year NBA career in which he made more than 1,200 appearances.
The 37-year-old revealed his decision on Monday through a video featuring his young son. The clip was filmed in Pont-l’Eveque, the French town where Batum learned to play basketball as a child.
“Dad’s done playing basketball,” Batum says in the video.
“I’ve been playing for a long time,” he explains before outlining why he felt the time had come to finish his career.
“I decided to retire from basketball for several reasons. I want to come home and be with you. I’m going to take care of you and make room for others,” Batum tells his son.
“I think I’ve done my time… When you’ve played as much basketball as I have, at some point, you have to know when to stop.”
Batum released the announcement on September 21, a date carrying personal significance for the former France captain. It marks the anniversary of the death of his father, a professional basketball player in France who passed away on a basketball court.
After beginning his career in French domestic basketball, Batum was selected in the first round of the NBA draft and joined the Portland Trail Blazers.
The 6-foot-7 (2.01m) forward later represented the Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers. His final NBA season came with the Clippers.
Nicknamed “Batman”, Batum built a reputation during his career for his versatility, defensive ability and high basketball IQ.
Tributes followed his retirement announcement, with the 76ers posting on X: “Congratulations on a great career, @nicolas88batum.”
The NBA also recognised his lengthy career, writing: “Congrats @nicolas88batum on an incredible 18-year NBA career.”
Batum also enjoyed significant success on the international stage with France. He helped his country win Olympic silver medals at Tokyo 2020, which was held in 2021, and at the Paris 2024 Games.
He was also part of the French side that won the European championship in 2013, adding another major honour to a career spanning nearly two decades at the highest level.
