2017 NBA Mock Draft: Fultz to Celtics, Ball to Lakers after lottery
By Chris Stone
Justin Patton
C, Creighton
From two-way wings to bench role-players, the Oklahoma City Thunder are simply in need of talent to round out their roster alongside Russell Westbrook. At pick No. 21, the best option is Creighton center Justin Patton.
For much of the ado about the Thunder’s struggles on the bench, most of them occurred with Steven Adams sitting down as well. Adams is a major defensive presence for Oklahoma City and without a backup who can handle himself on defense, those lineups struggled. While Patton did not test as well athletically as expected at the Combine, his defensive upside is still intriguing. As a redshirt freshman, he blocked 2.3 shots per 40 minutes and showed that he’s capable of stepping out on the perimeter to defend pick-and-roll. In short, he maximizes his athleticism in ways that others don’t.
Patton is also a nice offensive fit with Westbrook as a player who can run pick-and-roll and glides up and down the floor in transition. He’s the best rim running center in transition that this draft class has to offer. He won’t keep up with Westbrook, obviously, but he’ll give him an outlet as a trailer.