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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 9:02 a.m., Wednesday, July 23, 2008

NBA: Blazers sign Nicolas Batum

Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Trail Blazers signed French guard-forward Nicolas Batum today.

The 6-foot-8 19-year-old was the 25th overall pick in the draft by Houston, which traded his rights to Portland for picks Darrell Arthur (27th overall) and Joey Dorsey (33rd overall).

Batum played the past three seasons for MSB Le Mans of the French ProA League. He averaged 12.3 points, five rebounds and 3.6 assists last season.

Batum played for the Blazers during the NBA Summer League, averaging 6.8 points and 4.6 rebounds in five games.

The signing leaves the Blazers with one open roster spot to reach the NBA limit of 15.