NBA Draft Combine 2017: Confirmed Milwaukee Bucks’ interviewees

Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
10 of 12
Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Patton

Considered to be close to a lock for the top-20, Creighton’s Justin Patton was one of the players with a little bit less to prove at the Combine. That might beg the question of why he attended at all, but when Patton explained his reasoning to Jon Nyatawa of Omaha.com it all seemed very simple.

"“I’ve never been in this (setting), in the limelight, with other guys who’re going to end up in the same spot you’re going to be in,” Patton said. “It’s good to see everybody grinding and everybody with the same goal.”"

Related Story: READ: Our full profile of Justin Patton

As a big man who has shown glimpses of being able to step out and make three-pointers and long twos, and also has the kind of quickness, physicality and athleticism that’s demanded of modern NBA centers, Patton spoke with more teams than most at the Combine. His official measurements certainly wouldn’t have hurt his stock either.

Patton created some buzz when he revealed on Thursday that he was asked a question about whether he would slow down or speed up when approaching a yellow light, and by answering that it would depend on where he was going, he demonstrated a level of thoughtfulness that he’s applied to the process overall.

"“Everything I do I think about it,” he said. “I do the pluses and minuses. I’m thinking like a businessman.”"