Batum makes Blazers season debut

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PORTLAND, Ore. -- Forward Nicolas Batum made his season debut for the Portland Trail Blazers after missing the first half of the season because of right shoulder surgery.

Batum got a standing ovation when he entered the Blazers' game against the New Orleans Hornets on Monday night.

Batum was expected to start for Portland this season but he had surgery shortly before the opener.

Batum, who is French, appeared in 79 games as a rookie last season, starting 76. He averaged 5.4 points and 2.8 rebounds while earning praise for his defensive ability.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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