4 things Justin Patton could bring to the Rockets

It’s no secret that the Houston Rockets have been in dire need of a big man, as the Rockets entered the season with Christian Wood and DeMarcus Cousins as their only centers. Cousins has an extensive injury history so playing him more than 20 minutes wasn’t exactly optimal.

Wood’s injury made the need for an additional big man even more dire, as it left Cousins as the lone center on the roster. The Rockets tried to turn to a familiar face in Ray Spalding as a reserve big, but Spalding suffered an Achilles injury in just his second game with the team and was later released.

What Justin Patton could bring to the Houston Rockets

With Spalding out of the equation and Christian Wood still out for reportedly two more weeks, the Rockets found themselves looking for another big man, yet again. On Thursday night the Rockets turned to Justin Patton to fill that void.

Many may not be aware of Patton but he was the 16th pick of the 2017 NBA Draft, being selected ahead of John Collins, OG Anunoby, Kyle Kuzma, Derrick White, and Josh Hart, to name a few. Patton has received very little playing time through his first three seasons in the NBA, but it’s worth examining why he was drafted so high in the first place.

Patton played one season at Creighton and made the All Big-East team and was named the Big East Rookie of the Year in 2016-17, posting averages of 12.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks, while making a gaudy 67.6 percent of his shots.

Patton has also thrived in the G-League, where he has flashed the talent that made him a near lottery pick in 2017.

Patton averaged 12.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in the G-League just last season, while also averaging 16.7 points and 11.3 rebounds per 36 minutes this season.

With Patton now getting an opportunity with the Houston Rockets, let’s take a look at what he could bring to the team.

Next: Nos. 3 and 4

What Justin Patton brings to the Houston Rockets: 4. Rebounding

As Justin Patton has received very little time at the NBA level, let’s focus on his time in the G-League, as he’s played four seasons thus far and received much more playing time. At 6-foot-11, Patton has the ability to help out on the glass, as evident by his per 36 numbers over the last three seasons:

• 2018-19: 10.9 rebounds per 36
• 2019-20: 10.4 rebounds per 36
• 2020-21: 11.3 rebounds per 36

Patton is also a major contributor in the offensive rebounding column, as he’s averaged roughly two offensive rebounds per game in each of his last four seasons in the G-League. Compare that to the Rockets, who average just 8.7 offensive rebounds, which ranks 24th in the league.

This could create more second-chance points, which the Rockets could certainly use. All in all, Patton’s rebounding ability would give the Rockets a much needed boost on the boards, as they rank 23rd in rebounding.

What Justin Patton brings to the Houston Rockets: 3. Playmaking

Patton was easily one of the better passing bigs in the G-League, as he averaged roughly 3 assists just last season, followed by 2.5 assists this season. The 23-year-old’s passing ability could be beneficial for creating scoring opportunities for several of the Rockets’ shooters, such as Sterling Brown, Ben McLemore, Danuel House, and P.J. Tucker.

Patton’s playmaking could also be beneficial on the fast break, where he’s shown his ability to make flashy passes.

.@Timberwolves assignee and @NBADraft first round selection Justin Patton showing off his vision in the #NBAGLeague today! pic.twitter.com/8s3YahB49p

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) December 17, 2017

For a Rockets team that ranks just 24th in assists and 26th in offensive rating, Patton’s facilitating could be beneficial.

Next: Nos. 1 and 2

What Justin Patton brings to the Houston Rockets: 2. 3-Point Shooting

Patton also has developed somewhat of a 3-point shot during his time in the G-League, as he made 36.8 percent of his threes with the Wisconsin Herd last season, while taking 2.7 attempts per game. Patton finished the 2019-20 season averaging just 32.2 percent from long-range, which certainly isn’t sniper-level, but is respectable enough to capitalize on open looks that could be created by Houston Rockets point guard John Wall.

Patton made 33.3 percent of his threes this season, although his attempts have been much lower than last season. If Patton can simply knock down open looks from three, that would present a huge value to a Houston Rockets team that ranks 29th in 3-point shooting, despite taking the third-most attempts.

What Justin Patton brings to the Houston Rockets: 1. Rim Protection

Patton’s biggest contribution is by far his defense, as he has shown the ability to be a steady rim protector throughout his tenure in the G-League. This should be no surprise, as he has a 7-foot-3 wingspan, which would make it difficult for opponents to get to the rim.

Patton has been one of the best shot blockers in the G-League dating back to 2018, as he averaged 2 blocks in 2018-19, and followed that up with a gaudy 3.2 blocks just last season. Patton joined the Herd midway through 2019-20 and averaged 3.4 blocks with the franchise, solidifying his ability to be a defensive anchor, if given the opportunity.

Patton ranked third in blocks last season and currently ranks 10th in blocks this season in the G-League. In addition, Patton ranked eighth in defensive rating last season.

Patton’s shot-blocking and overall defensive presence would fit in well with a Rockets team that currently ranks fourth in defensive efficiency.