Batum Plans to Wear Splint for Rest of Season

Rip Hamilton had his mask. Nicolas Batum has, at least for the rest of this season, his splint.

The Trail Blazers forward has worn a splint on his left middle finger since he suffered an avulsion fracture on it during a game against Philadelphia on Jan. 4. And even though it might not be medically necessary for him to keep wearing the device, he has no intention of stopping.

“I take it off, but not for playing,” he said. “I’m going to keep playing with it until after the season.”

Batum plans to keep wearing the splint through the playoffs, and then perhaps shed it in the offseason when he prepares to play for France in the World Cup.

“I’m scared to play without it,” he said. “I’m OK. I’m going to play with it the whole playoff, and then after with France, I’m going to try to play without it, then I’ll be good for next year.”

via Mike Tokito of the Oregonian