João Paulo Lopes "J.
JP Batista
Key Career Moment of JP Batista
JP Batista, the Brazilian big man, had a defining moment in his basketball career during the 2006 NBA Summer League with the Seattle SuperSonics. Though undrafted, he showcased his polished post game, averaging 12.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, earning him a training camp invite.
His best performance came against the Portland Trail Blazers, where he dominated with 18 points and 9 rebounds, proving he belonged in the NBA.
Unique Skill of JP Batista
JP Batista's greatest strength was his elite footwork and back-to-the-basket scoring ability. Standing at 6'9, he used his strength and crafty post moves to outmaneuver defenders, making him a reliable low-post scorer.
His soft touch around the rim and ability to finish through contact set him apart from traditional NBA big men of his era.
JP Batista's Stats
- Played 7 games in the NBA (2006-07 season with Seattle)
- Averaged 2.6 points and 1.6 rebounds in limited minutes
- Scored a career-high 8 points against the Phoenix Suns
JP Batista's Legacy in the NBA
Though his NBA career was brief, JP Batista left a mark as a hardworking, fundamentally sound big man.
After the NBA, he thrived overseas, becoming a star in leagues like Spain's ACB and Brazil's NBB. A unique fact: Batista was Gonzaga's leading scorer (19.3 PPG) in the 2005-06 season, outplaying future NBA players like Adam Morrison. His journey from undrafted prospect to international standout inspired many Brazilian basketball players to pursue the NBA dream.
JP had an old-school game-strong, skilled, and relentless in the paint, said former Gonzaga coach Mark Few.
Today, JP Batista is remembered as a pioneer for Brazilian big men, proving that polished fundamentals can translate to success at the highest levels of basketball.
View the profile of Flamengo Forward J.P. Batista on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.