Batum to play in France but not with Parker’s team

Portland Trail Blazers’ Nicolas Batum has decided to play in his home country of France for the duration of the NBA lockout with SLUC Nancy of the Euroleague.

Interestingly enough, he chose not to sign with fellow countryman San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker’s team, ASVEL, and had this to say (via hoopshype.com) about the decision:

[H]e respects my decision. This is the business, I explained my decision. This is an intelligent, Tony, he knows how it works, he understood my decision. And then he will recover, the club also Villeurbanne, . . . they will make a great team.

In the end, Batum chose Nancy since it is part of the Euroleague and because of the team’s recent success, including winning a couple of titles recently.

Sure Parker may get over it, but perhaps as an owner, Parker needs to shake things up to attract some NBA players.