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Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 goals for Justin Patton’s rookie season

By Michael Walton

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 22: Justin Patton speaks with the media after being selected 16th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves at the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Pellegrino/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 22: Justin Patton speaks with the media after being selected 16th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves at the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Pellegrino/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEWARK, NJ – FEBRUARY 15: Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) shoots a free throw during the first half of the College Basketball game between the Seton Hall Pirates and the Creighton Bluejays on February 15, 2017, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. The Seton Hall Pirates defeat the Creighton Bluejays 87-81. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ – FEBRUARY 15: Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) shoots a free throw during the first half of the College Basketball game between the Seton Hall Pirates and the Creighton Bluejays on February 15, 2017, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. The Seton Hall Pirates defeat the Creighton Bluejays 87-81. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Become a consistent three-point threat

One of the facts that initially made scouts do a double take was that Patton shot 53.3 percent from the three-point line. Of course, you have to take that figure with a grain of salt because he only attempted 15 threes on the season.

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If Patton can even approach 34 percent in his rookie season, it should be considered a success. His mechanics are a bit broken, but that can be fixed with time and patience. Practicing with Towns will help him a lot. Towns displays excellent balance and footwork on his jump shot, often utilizing “the hop” move to square up for three-pointers.

Despite being confident in his perimeter skills, Patton struggled mightily from the free throw line. He shot 51.7 percent from the line, which is very concerning considering that free throw percentage is usually an indicator of long-term jump-shooting success.

Tom Thibodeau and his staff will take baby steps with Patton. This is necessary since there is so much to learn. But part of his learning experience will hinge on the T-Wolves letting him work through his mistakes. Becoming a consistent shooter is the last step towards unlocking Patton’s offensive ceiling. The key is Thibodeau and company encouraging the development of his jump shot.

Next: The biggest winners and losers of 2017 NBA free agency

Minnesota needed to find a way to acquire young talent despite being in “win-now” mode. They did just that by nabbing Patton at No.16 in the draft. Now, with Patton suffering a recent foot injury, his recovery and development during his rookie season will go a long way toward determining if Minnesota landed the steal of the draft.

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