Minnesota Timberwolves: Complete 2017 offseason grades

Picking Patton

Part of the Jimmy Butler trade involved the Minnesota Timberwolves swapping the No. 7 overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft for the Bulls’ No. 16 overall pick.

The seventh pick ended up being Lauri Markkanen, who will be a good fit for a rebuild in Chicago with LaVine and Dunn. The 16th pick of the draft was Justin Patton.

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Patton is the new youngest player on the Timberwolves. He filled an overlooked hole on the team. The Wolves did not have sufficient depth at the center position. The main reason for that was because former center Nikola Pekovic did not play a single minute last season due to injury problems. That left Cole Aldrich as the main relief for Towns. Aldrich is serviceable at best.

Patton is a big upgrade to Aldrich. He has the potential to impact both sides of the floor due to his athletic ability and skill.

The Timberwolves will receive a boost on defense right away with the addition of Patton. He has an excellent feel for the game defensively and that is easier to translate to the NBA than offense.

Below is a video of Patton getting two help side blocks in the same possession.

Patton is coming into a good situation. He will have an appropriate backup role for a player of his caliber. He can take his time and develop during the season. The Timberwolves improved their bench with this draft pick with a young player that has a high ceiling.

Grade: B