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2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 23: The NBA Playoffs are upon us

By Chris Stone

Feb 9, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) shoots the ball past Rhode Island Rams forward Kuran Iverson (23) in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) shoots the ball past Rhode Island Rams forward Kuran Iverson (23) in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about Justin Patton at The Step Back.

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20

Justin Patton

C, Creighton

Draft status: In with an agent

The Atlanta Hawks are headed to the playoffs once again, but don’t look built to compete for an Eastern Conference title. After drafting a pair of wings last season, the Hawks pick up a center here who could be the long-term answer as a replacement for Dwight Howard.

Creighton’s Justin Patton had his share of struggles after point guard Maurice Watson Jr. went down with an ACL injury, but still managed to average 20.5 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per 40 minutes in his redshirt freshman season. Patton has a good collection of post moves that he can use to score against players his size or punish switches. He also has a developing jump shot and made eight of his 15 3-point attempts this season.

Patton’s more intriguing potential is on the defensive end. He was a decent shot blocker this season and could project to be a good one in the NBA if his wingspan measurements pan out. He also needs to add significant strength in order to compete more aggressively on the boards. Right now, he gets displaced often because he doesn’t have the lower body strength to hold position. Patton also has the athleticism the move well laterally on switches for stretches.

Learn more about Justin Patton at The Step Back.