NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 20: The Sweet Sixteen edition
By Chris Stone
Justin Patton
C, Creighton
Patton is at his best on the move whether it’s in transition or in pick-and-roll. He thrives rim-running in the open court and can beat most opposing big men down the floor. In the halfcourt, he does well catching lobs as the dive man on ball screens. He has enough post moves to make smaller defenders pay on switches as well. Patton doesn’t yet have a consistent jump shot, but he did step out beyond the arc a few times this season and it’s something that could come along after a few years.
On defense, Patton has some question marks because of his lack of strength. Despite taking a year off to improve his body, he still gets pushed around on the boards and struggles to hold position. He averaged just 9.8 rebounds per 40 minutes this season. Patton also may not be a great rim protector at the next level, but much of that could depend on how his wingspan measurements pan out. He posted a 5.9 percent block rate, but if he’s not long enough, that won’t translate well.