Someday, Timberwolves fans will look back and see how big of a steal Justin Patton was in the 2017 NBA Draft.
With all the focus around Jimmy Butler’s arrival to Minnesota (and for good reason), not enough attention has been brought to 16th-overall pick Justin Patton.
On draft night, the Timberwolves pulled off a trade in which they sent Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and the rights to Lauri Markkanen to the Bulls for Butler and the rights to Patton.
The 7′-0″, 20-year-old center out of Creighton is a nice addition for the team. He is a true center to battle down low as he averaged 6.1 rebounds per game while also adding a nice shot inside the arc, shooting 68.4 percent while at Creighton.
Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress did note, however, that teams were concerned about Patton’s awareness and fundamentals as a rebounder before the draft. He has the height and the 230-pound body to match. Patton now needs to take advantage of having defensive guru Tom Thibodeau as his coach in order to fulfill his capability.
Patton did, however, just underwent a successful surgery to repair a broken fifth metatarsal in his left foot, as the team reported.
INJURY UPDATE: Justin Patton underwent successful surgery to repair a broken fifth metatarsal in his left foot » https://t.co/HoYlEl1s9p pic.twitter.com/XxCOnjOWhq
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) July 4, 2017
The team also made note that Patton will not participate in 2017 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. While this is very unfortunate to his development, I believe the Wolves will option him to the G-League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves, to serve essentially the same purpose summer league would. Regardless, he will still be a step behind most rookies because of the surgery.
Patton will be a work in progress, don’t get me wrong. But how can you not have faith in a talented prospect of his size/capability and a coach like Thibs to work with him? It may not be this year, and it may not be next year. But at some point he will break out with the Wolves.
It is hard to argue with the youth or physical specs when it comes to Patton. Plus, he had the offensive production at school, averaging 13 points per game to go along with his 68.4 shooting percentage. The Wolves need be patient with his rehab and ease him back into action in order for him to turn out to be a steal.
Next: Dear Thibodeau: What Are You Thinking?
It was already a surprise to many that the Wolves received his rights to begin with. But if Patton can pan out to be what I think he can be, which is a rare true center in the NBA with his size and shot, the Wolves and their fan base will be able to call the draft day blockbuster trade a true success.