NBA in Paris: "I hope we will come back someday", already thinks Nicolas Batum

He was THE Frenchman of the evening. After giving the end-of-match hug to Neymar and Kyilian Mbappé, Nicolas Batum the captain of the French team and player of the Charlotte Hornets, returned, with his 4-year-old son, to this very special evening for him : play an official NBA game in Paris against the Milwaukee Bucks.

How did you experience this evening?

NICOLAS BATUM. It was special to play here even if I had already played games in this room. But never like that: there is an incredible crowd, my whole family, my loved ones. I think everyone had fun and I hope we will come back.

Was it already the biggest moment of the season for you?

When the fans scream your name, it's a very special moment. It's been a difficult year for me and coming back to everyone I know, my friends who are chanting your name, it's great and it's heart-warming. I also played in France in front of my son and later I will show him the video. It is too much for him to remember this moment. My first job is to be a dad. He is my biggest victory.

Did you have any particular pressure?

I said during the warm-up that it had been a long time since I had been so nervous. But it's just great. Naturally in the game, I stayed in what I am, in my role, in what I can do.

Did the NBA succeed in coming to Paris?

Of course. We felt a great craze, a communion with the fans. It was like that all week and I hope that during the next edition in 2021, there will still be French players who can experience this.