I've called him David West since I saw him play, so I'll stick with that: but he does look to be a bit better rebounder/defender.
Borderline All-Star. I don't see star-level agility out of Patterson and that's the biggest thing. He also hasn't demonstrated much in terms of post moves, although maybe he could move up to that star level if he can develop a serious repertoire of skills and elite-level footwork in the future, which I would put past him given his work ethic. Also, Nowitzki easily qualifies as a superstar, and before this season I would have said the same about Bosh.
I think he's already a more rugged interior presence than either of those guys. I see the comparison with touch out to 20 feet though. I actually think Milsap is a good comparison.
Listen, I hate the Mavs, too, but to list Dirk in the same breath as Carlos Boozer and Chris Bosh is a HUGE slap in his face. Utterly ludicrous... But anyways, I will say his "ceiling" is star. Chris Bosh, Elton Brand, Antawn Jamison, etc...
Not sure if serious? Screw Karl Malone, but the guy won 2 MVPs, and took the Jazz to the Finals twice.
He's John Stockton with worse handle and passing, taller and bigger, can dunk and block shot much better, with about the same midrange shot with less reliable 3pt shooting, and doesn't flop. :grin:
if he can master some nasty low post moves, the sky is only the limit. otherwise, he would be a borderline all star.