http://blog.mlive.com/fullcourtpress/20 ... ams_p.htmlDetroit Pistons Draft Dreams: Patrick Patterson
Patrick Patterson is more than just a guy who may or may not have eaten a booger on national TV.The Kentucky forward is one of four UK players with a shot at being a top 15 pick in the NBA draft and a guy who could turn into a legit stretch four at the NBA level. I know, I know. What's the need if the Pistons already have Charlie Villanueva? Well, Patterson also projects as a pretty good rebounder and decent shot blocker.
Measurables: 6-9, 235 pounds, junior F/C at Marshall.
Stats: 14.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 58 percent field goal percentage in 33.3 minutes per game.
Projected:10th (DraftExpress); 9th (NBADraft.net).
Why he fits: He has size and, like all UK players this year, great athleticism. His numbers are down a bit this season, but remember, he went from being a key guy on a not very good team last year to probably the third option on a very talented team this year. He's also sharing the paint with DeMarcus Cousins, which will certainly take away some of his touches. Patterson's adapted extremely well going from primary score to complimentary player. He's a good leader and a steadying influence for a team prone to mistakes because of youth. He's a nice contrast with Cousins, who sometimes lets his emotions get the best of him. Most impressively, Patterson has added a pretty reliable three-point shot this season, shooting 37 percent on 58 attempts. His first two years at Kentucky he only attempted four three-pointers.
Why he doesn't fit: He's probably not a center in the NBA. He certainly has a post game, although he'll have to work on his strength like most of the young bigs who are potentially in the draft this season. The Pistons need size and Patterson has undeniable talent and upside, but as I said above, some of his skills duplicate what Charlie Villanueva does. I think Patterson will be a better defensive player than Villanueva is, but Patterson is a bit of a finesse forward rather than the hard-nosed, physical post player most Pistons fans covet.
Why I'd take him: Unless that Pistons pick at 1 or 2, the plan should be to take the best available big. Depending on where their pick ends up, there's a shot that's Patterson. There are probably guys with more upside, but Patterson is a mature player (he could've entered the draft last year but stayed in school despite all the changes coming to the Kentucky program) who would be an upgrade over most of what the Pistons have up front right now.
Previously:
DeMarcus Cousins
Ekpe Udoh
Cole Aldrich
Xavier Henry
Evan Turner
Keith Benson
Hassan Whiteside
