Minnesota Timberwolves: 2017 NBA Draft grades for Justin Patton

Minnesota Timberwolves: 2017 NBA Draft grades

March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Rhode Island Rams at Golden 1 Center. The Rams won 84-72. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 3

Mar 22, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

The Butler trade

Thibodeau pulled off his first franchise-changing move on draft night. He was able to acquire Jimmy Butler for Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn, and somehow managed to convince Chicago that their trade package was enticing enough to include a swap of draft picks.

This trade was highway robbery, as the pick swap landed Thibs a prospect who many had rated as the No. 1 center.

Butler will give the franchise an air of respectability and an improved defense. One man cannot change a defense, but simply putting Butler on the opposition’s best scorer will make things a little easier within the team’s defensive concept.

Coming off of All-NBA Third Team selection, he will bring his 23.9 points per game to a team that just had a top-10 offense (as judged by offensive rating). On top of all that, his contract keeps him on the T-Wolves through 2019, giving the franchise ample time to build a contender around his talents.

Grade: A+

Home/Minnesota Timberwolves