OKC Thunder (photo by Zach Beeker / NBAE via Getty Images)
In his first step as the new Pistons GM, Troy Weaver signed the former OKC Thunder Center Justin Patton.
It’s rare to call a young player a journeyman, but that’s what former great OKC Thunder man Justin Patton has become. In its three seasons since its design in 2017, Patton has spent time with different teams.
Although the Chicago Bulls were his drawing team, he was included in the package with Jimmy Butler and sent to the Minnesota Timberwolves. At the time, it was thought that Patton could evolve into a modern big that was able to stretch the ground while offering defense and rebound.
Injuries derailed his rookie campaign when he suffered a broken left foot that needed surgery. At the end of the season, Patton recovered and made it to the hardwood for a game. Trivia fans might find it interesting to note that his lonely appearance took place on April Fool’s Day 2018. Patton scored two points, snatched a theft, and picked up a foul in 3:44.
This time, when he was ready to make a name for himself next season, he was injured again and broke his right foot. He was operated on again. When the Philadelphia 76ers Jimmy Butler landed, Patton was resumed in the trading package.
The Creighton Center worked its way back and appeared in three games at the end of the season. In early April 2019, the 76s waived Patton to make room for Greg Monroe, who they absolutely wanted to have in the squad for the playoffs.
OKC Thunder hoped Patton would become part of the future core:
On August 12, the OKC signed Thunder Patton as a free agent, marking the third team the youngster had been in in two seasons. Just like the Wolves and 76s, the OKC Thunder hoped that Patton could develop into a contributor to the club.
More of Thundering intentions
In his run with the thunder, Patton always appeared in blowout situations in five games with the university squad. In these five appearances, he averaged a meager 1.8 points and a rebound of 1.0. He was far more successful in his 23 G-League games with the OKC Blue. He averaged 12.1 points, 8.1 rebounds (2.3 offensive boards), 3.3 assists and an impressive 3.1 blocks in 27.2 minutes per game.
Though the signs of his potential remain, the thunder exchanged him for Isaiah Roby for the Dallas Mavericks in late January. The Mavs waived him the day after the trade.
Another former employee of OKC Thunder has Patton back in the news. Troy Weaver was until recently Thunder Vice President of Basketball Operations when he was selected as the next general manager for the Pistons. His first job was to sign Justin Patton. Weaver, who has long been considered a great hopper, obviously sees something in Patton who is only 23 years old.
The pistons that Andre Drummond traded may be looking for their next tall man. Although Thon Maker is still in Motor City, many believe he won’t be in the club next season. Enter Patton that Weaver clearly likes.
Patton has signed the Pistons Mid Level Exception and James Edwards III does not guarantee the second year of the deal. Since the Pistons are trying to rebuild the franchise, Patton should have enough time to show off his talents and grow with the new piston core.
