Blazers sign first-round pick Batum of France

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Portland Trail Blazers signed French guard-forward Nicolas Batum on Wednesday.

Batum, 19, 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.

He 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.