What Portland Trail Blazers Need from Nicolas Batum in 2015-16 NBA Season

Nicolas Batum put it best: "I can say this was my toughest season."

Courtesy of Sean Meagher of the Oregonian, the Portland Trail Blazers swingman broke down what went wrong during the year, per his exit interview:

"

I didn't play the way I used to play. I was thinking too much. This offseason I just have to relax and work on my game and just have a different approach for next year. I gotta change some of my routines -- my offseason routine, my in-season routine. I'll be fine. I'm gonna learn from it.

"

It wasn't just a psychological struggle, though, as Batum mired through injuries to his knees, back and wrist. All three hindered his performance, and it was clear just how badly after a period of rest. 

As the ailments took their toll early in the season, Batum averaged 8.9 points on just 37.4 percent shooting from the field and 27.1 percent shooting from three-point range prior to the All-Star break.

Yet with more than a week between games during the festivities, he was able to mostly recover and went on to average 10.2 points on 45.2 percent shooting from the field and 42.5 percent shooting from downtown for the final 25 games.

Don Ryan/Associated Press

That Batum was "thinking too much" was clear on the court, as he appeared hesitant and passive at times. He's always been a player of that nature, as he lets the game come to him, but his preference to pass up open threes and his indecision to drive were irregular.

There were times when Batum would falter on open shots, stalling the offense and allowing the defense to catch up. 

With free agency approaching, Portland needs every cent under the salary cap to retool its roster, and each one Batum absorbs in his deal must be worth it. Jabari Young of CSNNW.com reported that "there have been rumblings the Blazers could look to move Batum this offseason, maybe around draft time, where GM Neil Olshey promised the team would be 'very active.'"

He may or may not be moved prior to the start of the 2015-16 season, but the fact that Batum is being shopped should give the small forward some motivation to prove his worth to the team.

As such, the Blazers need Batum to be much more aggressive next season.

The roster is currently in a state of flux, and he's one of just four players who have guaranteed contracts. With three starters who are unrestricted free agents, there's no telling what this team will look like next season.

Greg Wahl-Stephens/Associated Press

But whether they return shouldn't impact Batum's mindset to start the year. He needs to regain his confidence and be a valid scoring option. His playmaking will always be there, but he must return to being more useful offensively, driving to the rim confidently and shooting from outside efficiently.

Outside of that, Batum must try to stay healthy.

That's much easier said than done, but he can prepare by staying ready in the offseason, which he seems to be geared toward doing.

Per Jason Quick of the Oregonian, Batum touched on his preparation a year ago: "Last year, I didn't manage my offseason well. I didn't plan to go with the national team last summer, and when I did, I had already made plans to make appearances and camps. I didn't rest."

His body could have been under so much stress that it became more injury-prone, or his string of problems could have been plain bad luck. 

The other issue was the Blazers' distinct lack of help off the bench, which could have caused Batum to rush back. The team didn't have a consistent player to turn to in his absence, so you have to wonder if he should have missed more than 11 games.

As much as the Blazers need their swingman to return to form, the blame for his poor season can't fall solely on his shoulders. Had a solid reserve been part of the roster earlier, such as the midseason acquisition of Arron Afflalo, it's possible Batum could have taken time to fully recover, much like he did around the All-Star break.

In any case, Batum needs to find himself, both on and off the court, and return as a two-way force in 2015-16.

He's one of the more versatile players the league has to offer, helping out in all areas to give his team the best chance to win. And at $12.2 million for next season, per Basketball Insiders, he has to play like it.