big3_8_19_21 wrote:I like the optimism, but I think *some* (not all) people here need to remember how low the level of competition in the G League is. The last 3 league MVPs have been Vander Blue, Jarnell Stokes and Tim Frazier. Tim Frazier is the only one with an NBA contract.
I like Justin Patton, but I still don't think he's a contributor before year 3. Tyus crushed the G League for 25 points a game as a 19 year old rookie, when he was still clearly not an NBA player yet. Let's hope we feel the same way about Justin in 2 years as we feel about Tyus now.
I think most people around here completely understand the level of competition in the G-League. But I also think there are more than a few differences in Tyus - or even Bazz - going down to the minors for some runs vs. what Patton is doing there now. For the first time this is a Wolves run minor league team and the purpose it is being used for is different than what the Wolves have used it for before. I looked up how Tyus put up 25/game in the G-League. He did so playing 35 minutes/game and taking 20 shots/game - including eight 3-pointers/game. His assists were only 5/game. Bazz was similar in that he attempted 16 shots/game, but in just 28 minutes. Proving your point about competition level, Bazz grabbed 10 boards/game (5.3 on offense!) and got to the line eight times each game. That's Bazz being Bazz against bad competition. Both players played at high AAU levels, and to an extent that's all G-League is at times. Further, big men are dependent on someone getting them the ball, unlike Tyus and to an extent Bazz, so seeing guards put up numbers in the G-League isn't surprising.
Why I think it's different for Patton is that he went in coming off an injury, with a minutes restriction, playing time likely directed from the big club (no inside info on that). His production has gone from just okay when he first got there, to fairly substantial as he's gotten in better shape and accustomed to the level of play. He has never looked like a typical G-League guy just trying to shoot/score his way off the island. He looks like a player that is playing the game the right way - team first, hustle, correct positioning on offense and defense - in a league that seldom features that.
The eyeball test is where I am on him. He is very good passing from either high or low post - and he does so with either hand with ease. His low-post game is very developed in terms of use of pivot and, again, he does so with either hand. His jump shot has a quicker release and his athleticism looks considerably better than Gorgui's. He's just starting to shoot the 3-ball more now, and it looks to be a shot that is already in range for him. He runs the floor and gets to spots where he can be dangerous as a scorer or rebounder. He has legit NBA size; to the point where he's probably stronger on the block (offensively and defensively) than KAT. Not saying he's a better player, just saying he looks physically stronger to me than KAT. He dribbles well and is as comfortable facing the basket as he is on the block. He can play and defend in space. The more he's played the more he's contributed - and the more the team has won.
Even if he doesn't play a single minute this year, the instant G-League is over he needs to get up with the big club and bang around in practice with the big boys. He needs Thibs and Jimmy in his ear, pushing his buttons, seeing how he reacts, and learning how to be an NBA pro.
I'm old. I went to Wolves games in the Dome and have followed them from Day 1. I have witnessed every single big that has been with the club. I don't know why, but there's something about this kid that makes me think he's going surprise a lot of folks.
