NBA Draft 2017 Prospect Watch: Justin Patton

Weaknesses

The major weakness in Patton’s game is inconsistency. Without Maurice Watson Jr. on the floor, Patton was not the same player, as he showed that it is not easy for him to operate when getting the most attention during pregame scouting. Due to how talented Watson was before the injury as a primary playmaker, it is possible that Patton suffered without an elite playmaker on the floor with him.

At the next level, there are even more games in a season and if Patton cannot consistently put up solid performances, it might be difficult for him to get a consistent role on a team. With this inconsistency it seems that Patton is a player who is still a couple of years away from being a real high-impact NBA player.

Obviously, this goes along with the idea that the team drafting Patton has to be willing to work with him for a couple of years to maximize his potential. Patton has shown some great raw talent so far, but it is possible that he spends a fair amount of time on a D-League roster before showing up in even a bench role with a solid NBA franchise.

Either going late lottery or just after gives Patton the advantage of likely sitting behind a veteran center from which he can learn, but his major weaknesses come from being a few years away from reaching his potential as an NBA player.