OKC Thunder: One year later, Patrick Patterson is ready to claim x-factor role

Oklahoma City need 2-Pat to have a bounce back season this year as his defensive prowess and outside shooting are crucial to the Thunder’s championship aspirations. Sporting a healthier, more refined body, I expect Patterson to receive more minutes and be the vital stretch four OKC craved all last season.

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

In order for the Thunder to be successful, 2-Pat must shoot 38 percent or above from three. With PG and Abrines the only legitimate long range threats on Oklahoma City’s roster, Pat must be consistent from range and needs to put up at least three attempts per game.

Additionally, the veteran must improve his stroke inside the arc.  While he struggles to create offense off the bounce or gain separation on jumpers, 38.6 percent from two is simply unacceptable. Pat needs to shoot around 45 percent inside the arc and lift his overall field goal percentage to league average.

The number of points 2-Pat scores per game isn’t as important as his efficiency. The 30 year-old is a low usage player who relies heavily on others for spot-up opportunities. In order to spread the floor, Pat needs defenses to respect his shooting ability. With Russ and PG on the squad, his scoring totals aren’t important. If he is able to average 8-10 points per game, that will be a huge plus.

Ultimately, it may have taken OKC a year to deliver on their proposed role for Patterson, now it’s his turn to prove he should have held it all along.