The OKC Thunder recalled Justin Patton from the team’s G-League. The question is whether this is to add depth to face 76ers Joel Embiid or concern over Steven Adams’ knee.
Last week the OKC Thunder sent Justin Patton to get some burn with the club’s G-League affiliate OKC Blue. It was a practical decision since he was simply taking up space on the sidelines not getting any run in games. By sending him to work with the Blue it would afford him an opportunity to keep his rhythm and better learn the Thunder system since both squads utilize the same principals.
The stay turned out to be a short one (two games) as the organization announced they have recalled him to the varsity team. During his quick stint with the Blue the center started both games amassing an average of six points, six rebounds, 4.5 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 assists.
The blocks and assists are impressive but those aren’t necessarily surprising given the team knew Patton was an active defender. What pops off the page are the 4.5 assists especially if that translates to the varsity court.
Not mentioned in the press release, however, is the center didn’t complete either game as he fouled out in each match. That’s a concern which will need to be addressed because Patton is only valuable if he can remain on the court.
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Naturally, there will be ample movement of players at the end of the OKC Thunder bench who’ll spend time with the club’s G-League affiliate the OKC Blue. In prior years it was a given the two-way players would spend the majority of their time with the Blue and be available for filling in for injuries or to face lower-tier clubs and get some experience.
For example, last season Deonte Burton appeared on 32 occasions with the varsity team often spending three minutes or less on the hardwood (13 occasions). Only nine occasions merited more than eight minutes of playing time.
The hope was Patton could be developed into a rotational player akin to the type of game Jonathan Isaac has with the Magic – a defensive-minded big man who can affect the games on both ends and stretch out to the perimeter.
The big question is whether his recall is simply how the OKC Thunder are planning to manage the young center this season or if it’s tied to injury. Steven Adams missed two games with a knee contusion and hasn’t looked fully like himself even in his return.
With the Philadelphia 76ers on tap tomorrow perhaps the team is simply exercising caution to make sure they have a few bigs they can toss at Joel Embiid. We’ll find out more tomorrow when the Thunder take on Philly at 8:00 p.m.