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2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 22: College basketball is over

By Chris Stone

Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) moves the ball against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Stanford won 76-69. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) moves the ball against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Stanford won 76-69. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) heads back up court after scoring against the Akron Zips at CenturyLink Center Omaha. Creighton defeated Akron 82-70. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) heads back up court after scoring against the Akron Zips at CenturyLink Center Omaha. Creighton defeated Akron 82-70. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about Justin Patton at The Step Back.

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Justin Patton

C, Creighton

At one point this season, Creighton’s Justin Patton was viewed as a lottery pick with the potential to be the top center in the draft class. He’s slid a bit since then as he’s struggled to perform at the same level without point guard Maurice Watson, the senior who was lost to an ACL injury mid-season. It’s possible that Patton will project out better with an actual NBA point guard running the show, but there are some understandable reasons to be concerned about his upside.

Most notably, Patton struggles against stronger opponents. This problem was on display during the Bluejays’ opening round loss to Rhode Island and is reflected in the 7-footer’s rebounding numbers. Patton often is able to get position on opposing bigs, but struggles to hold it. He averaged just 9.8 rebounds per 40 minutes this season.

The most exciting this about Patton’s game is the potential he’s shown on offense as a pick-and-roll big who can rim run in transition. He moves well for a player of his stature and has no problem attacking the rim. Patton also has the post moves to attack switches should he get a smaller player on his back.

Learn more about Justin Patton at The Step Back.