2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 21: Malik Monk to the Sixers

6-foot-11 Justin Patton is arguably the best center prospect in the 2017 draft. As a freshman at Creighton he averaged 20.5 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per 40 minutes after redshirting his first year on campus in order to add strength to his body.

Perhaps Patton’s greatest offensive strength is his rim running ability, which shines in pick-and-roll situations and in transition. Patton runs the floor really well and is capable of playing above the rim on the move. The 19-year old is developing a face up game and even stepped out beyond the 3-point arc for a shot a few times this season. He also possesses the necessary post skill to punish smaller defenders on switches even if it won’t be on the block much in the NBA.

Defensively, Patton still needs to put on additional strength despite adding weight last offseason. His rebounding numbers are pretty poor for a player of his size largely because he’s unable to hold position even when he gets it initially. There are also some questions regarding how well his rim protection will translate. Although Patton was a solid shot blocker in college, his length isn’t great, which could make it tough for him to be a competent rim protector against NBA competition.

Learn more about Justin Patton at The Step Back.