Batum's greatest battle is changed role

RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - France are bidding Tony Parker, Florent Pietrus and Mickael Gelabale au revoir with the trio deciding to call it a day with the national team.

The same cannot be said for Nicolas Batum, one of the country's best players but someone who struggled to make an impact for the team at the Rio de Janeiro Games.

Batum failed to score on Wednesday in France's 92-67 defeat to Spain.

Speaking to basketsession.com after the game, the Charlotte Hornets star offered an opinion on why his numbers haven't been as good as they are in the NBA.

"My game (against Spain) was a reflection of my last two years with the French national team where my role has changed," he said.

"I've had trouble adapting. I'm not at all asked to do the same thing I do for my club so I can't have the same production.

"I've tried for the last two years to do better, I put my ego aside for the French national team. I do what I'm told to do.

"I know very well that I can do better and that I can show a lot more."

Batum also took to the social media to communicate his feelings in an emotional message to people in France.

Batum has had some great games for France over the years. At the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, he was so good that he made the All-Star Five after leading Les Bleus to third place and a spot on the podium.

But at the Rio Olympics, he averaged 7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game.

FIBA