Philadelphia 76ers: What to hope for in Justin Patton
By Derek Hryn
The Philadelphia 76ers recently acquired Justin Patton from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Here’s how the young center could make a difference going forward.
The Philadelphia 76ers could finally have the backup big man they’ve been looking for, and his name is Justin Patton.
With All-Star Jimmy Butler as the clear headliner, Patton was just one of the players involved in the whirlwind of a trade between the Sixers and Minnesota Timberwolves this past weekend.
Though Butler brings an end to the 76ers’ star search for now, they also sacrificed two crucial members of their long rebuilding stage in Dario Saric and Robert Covington.
This move now leaves vacancies at both the 3- and 4-spots in the lineup, which immediately heightens the roles of Mike Muscala and Wilson Chandler. While Butler takes over as the starting wing, the Sixers will be going with an alternating duo of Muscala and Chandler at power forward.
As for the newly added Patton, who is currently recovering from an injured right foot, he presents another young asset with something to prove on a very talented roster. Here’s what to hope for in the 21-year-old center.