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How Justin Patton’s injury affects his Timberwolves career

By Cooper Langby

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Justin Patton walks on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 16th overall by the Chicago Bulls during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Justin Patton walks on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 16th overall by the Chicago Bulls during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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On Tuesday, the Timberwolves officially announced draft pick Justin Patton had signed his rookie contract, and the same day they announced something very disappointing relating to Patton.

Justin Patton has broken his foot. His summer seague season is over before it started, and quite possibly his chances at a Timberwolves debut this season.

The Minnesota Timberwolves announced Patton had undergone surgery to repair the fifth metatarsal in his left foot, and also stated he is sidelined indefinitely.

While the Timberwolves press release doesn’t go into detail, this is the same injury last years’ first pick Ben Simmons suffered before the regular season began, and he didn’t play all year.

The break in the Metatarsal is referred to as a Jones’ Fracture, and the fractures have a higher chance of not healing compared to other metatarsal fractures. They are also at risk of re-fracture after healing, which is why Simmons sat last season out as a precaution.

The Timberwolves may be more likely to play Patton after he has healed, as he’s not a franchise-altering first-pick that needs to stay healthy for the team to succeed in the future, however the team doctors will certainly not allow Patton to take to the court if they feel that it may be likely to do him damage.

If you read my previous article about Patton’s chances of seeing court time this season, you’ll have read that Iowa Wolves were always a potential landing point for the rookies’ first season, and now this seems more likely.

Patton will likely have a long rehabilitation period to test the strength of the bone before he is ready for the NBA. While this may not result in no basketball for a year as it did for Ben Simmons, it may result in no Justin Patton for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Iowa Wolves would jump at the chance to host an NBA-caliber player for the year, and I’m sure Glen Taylor would love to create a bond between his NBA team and his new G-League team.

Related Story: Timberwolves fans should be thankful for Justin Patton

A year, or at least a stint, playing for the Iowa Wolves in the G-League after recovering from surgery would reintroduce Patton to competitive basketball, but not throw him right into the deep-end of the NBA. The G-League could also be a place for Patton to develop his skills as he adjusts to basketball above a college level.

An introductory period in the G-League could be used as a developmental pathway for any rookie, and it seems like a perfect fit for a rookie coming off an injury.

There is always a chance that Patton will be called straight back to the Timberwolves after he has recovered. The Timberwolves bench is currently lacking depth, and although this will be fixed before the regular season begins, Patton may have been part of Thibodeau’s plan, and his injury may not be accounted for.

It has also been widely reported that the Timberwolves’ are looking to offload Cole Aldrich’s salary through trade in an attempt to acquire other players. The Timberwolves have reportedly been offering a package of Aldrich and their 2018, lottery-protected first round pick acquired in the Rubio trade, however Patton might find himself on that list should a rebuilding team fancy taking him on as a project for the future.

Patton likely wouldn’t fetch much on his own, but his inclusion in a deal with Aldrich and the 2018-pick could entice a team to engage in a trade, and thus Patton’s Timberwolves career would be over before it began.

However, I believe Thibodeau wants Patton as part of the Timberwolves in the future, most likely to fill a bench position and provide strength and numbers as a backup.

Next: Timberwolves Rumor: Pushing For Jamal Crawford

After a rehabilitation stint and possibly a year for the Iowa Wolves, he will be finding himself on the bench as a part of the playoff-contending Minnesota Timberwolves.