Oklahoma City Thunder: Complete 2017 offseason grades
Signing Patrick Patterson
By being so far over the cap, the Thunder didn’t have much maneuverability in free agency. They were not going to be in the market for any of the big-name free agents, but they still managed to upgrade the roster by signing Patrick Patterson.
Patterson should slide right into the starting power forward spot that was vacated by Taj Gibson. Gibson wound up signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves in free agency, but Patterson is a great replacement. Not only did Patterson come cheaper, as Gibson signed a two-year, $28 million contract, but he is a better fit as well.
Patterson is the perfect stretch-4. Teams will not be able to double off of him or else he will make them pay from the perimeter. Patterson is also a good defender, giving the Thunder a very versatile frontcourt with George and Steven Adams flanking him.
Patrick Patterson is a perfect fit to start at 4.
— Andrew Schlecht (@AndrewKSchlecht) July 5, 2017
66% of his shots from 3, 37% from 3, and 41% from the corners.
Solid defender
PERFECT
The only weakness Patterson has is rebounding, but the Thunder have above-average rebounders at multiple spots in their lineup, so they should more than make up for Patterson.
Patterson was a steal in free agency as the Thunder got him using their Mid-Level Exception. The contract is team friendly and he fits into their scheme perfectly. This was an excellent signing for the Thunder.
Grade: A