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Timberwolves off-season roster power rankings

By Christian Anton

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Karl-Anthony Towns
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Karl-Anthony Towns /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JUNE 27: Justin Patton of the Minnesota Timberwolves poses for portraits on June 27, 2017 at the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Courts at Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JUNE 27: Justin Patton of the Minnesota Timberwolves poses for portraits on June 27, 2017 at the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Courts at Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

10. Justin Patton

With the 16th-overall selection in the 2017 NBA draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected the center out of Creighton. Standing at 7′-0″ tall, Justin Patton will be looking to take over the backup center position for the Wolves.

When talking about Patton, the words “exceptional athlete” were used to describe the big man in the midst of his scouting reports.  Other tidbits of information seems to suggest that he is a really good finisher around the rim. Patton shot just under 75 percent around the rim, making him sixth in the nation for that category among prospects.

Pairing the rookie with Karl-Anthony Towns should let him grow naturally into the type of player that can compliment the team off the bench. Patton will have the chance to shadow one of the best players in the NBA at his very own position.

The other positive in Patton’s situation is that he will not be pushed to start sooner than he is capable. Hopefully, Patton will never have to start for the Timberwolves at the center position. With KAT ahead of the rookie on the depth chart, Patton can work on his game at his own pace with no lofty expectations.

There are a few areas of concern for the big man, the first being questions about his NBA rebounding ability. The second being his history of injuries. Patton already missed NBA Summer League, which is a great place for rookies to get solid reps in with the incoming freshman class.

When projecting his role with the team this year one would have to assume he will fit into the primary backup center position sometime this season.