Joining a new team always presents challenges. Theres a new playbook to learn, a new city to live in, and new teammates to adjust to. That last piece could be particularly troubling if a free agent joins a team that had well-documented chemistry issues the year before.

But Nicolas Batum hasnt found any challenges in his move to Los Angeles. Hes grateful to be in such a promising situation to compete for a title in his 13th year in the league, especially after being marooned in Eastern Conference mediocrity for half a decade. And team chemistry has been the least of his concerns, as he told the media Tuesday.

The transition has been pretty easy, Batum said. This is a great group, like you can hear a lot of stuff all around, but I didnt see it yet. Thats good. I dont think Im gonna see it this year. The group is great, you know, guys, they welcomed me with open arms. Like yesterday, Ive been here for a week and they already called me and texted me for my birthday yesterday, so that was great. So, you know, love these guys, love this group. Its been fun on the court, its been fun off the court as well.

Batum went on to say that he probably has the most conversations with Reggie Jackson, whose locker is next to his, but hes had a great time with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Marcus Morris Sr., among others.

Hes also made a different connection with Serge Ibaka, as the two are both French speakers. Batum said that theyve already communicated in French while on the court together during the preseason.

Actually did it a couple times last game, and thats sometimes the strength you can have, you can talk in your own language about defense and stuff like that, Batum said. The opponent cant understand what youre saying, so it can be an advantage sometimes.

With a shortened preseason and an offense dictated by feel thus far rather than set plays, Batum noted how important it was for the team to develop chemistry. Its been a smooth process, but thats because the Clippers are making more of an effort this year than last. The returnees have reached out to the new players, and theyve all taken advantage of their limited practice time to build cohesion on and off the court.

Batum has been part of successful NBA teams in Portland and successful international teams playing for France, so he knows what works when he sees it. If he thinks the Clippers are on the right track in terms of their locker room dynamics, thats a good start for the 2020-21 season.

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LA Clippers News: Nic Batum already has rave reviews for the Clippers team chemistry - Clips Nation