Eh... just drafted our third strong PF. So unless Scola was a required part of the TOR trade (or Hill, for that matter), not much of an improvement. Still need a bck up C, still could use a SF, and still could use a back up PG.
Another clue that we're going to make a move. Why draft Patterson otherwise, with Scola and Hill? (and Andersen)
Landry was 6'8" He is Landry with a slightly better post game, and less range on his jumper. He is a better shot blocker than Landry. Remember, Morey said he would use the draft to replace Landry.
Let me make this clear: Patterson is a rich man's Carl Landry. He didn't just replace Landry, he upgraded him. Landry came into the league already 23 years old, Patterson is 21. Unlike Landry who really was undersized (and had a big head to boot!), Patterson has a standing reach of 7-1, more than adequate for the PF position. He has good athleticism like Landry, and looks like he can defend and rebound better than Landry. Like Landry Patterson is also efficient, and is actually one of the most efficient PFs in the draft in terms of PpP, despite having very few possessions per game. Like Landry he came of as extremely mature, humble and hungry during his interviews. Definitely not the direction I would have gone (Whiteside? But he may drop down and we might trade up), but one of the reasons I overlooked him was because he was gone by 14 in most mock drafts. Definitely a Morey pick, and definitely a winner. The C position can easily be filled by trading for Hasheem Thabeet or Pekovic with Hill and the NY picks. We can also end up with a gem like Larry Sanders or Whiteside. We'll see what happens.
A 7'1" standing reach is pathetic for a PF. Landry had a 8'6" standing reach. Most NBA SGs having a standing reach taller than 7'1".
Patterson is an upgrade over Landry in many ways (D, rebounding, blocks)...but I'm not ready to declare him better in the post. Landry couldn't do it night in night out, but he could break out for 20...I'd be surprised if Patterson does so more than a handful of times next season. Biggest question is where will Hill end up - realize at least 80% of his potential and be a major player for us? Or screws around and becomes the next Stromile Swift?
My bad, I meant 8'11. Patterson's wingspan is 7'1, and he has a standing reach of 8'11, four inches longer than Landry's 8'6. He's also quicker than Landry, 11.14 lane agility vs 11.35 for Landry. You can check his combine stats here: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Patrick-Patterson-1225/ They have his best case scenario as Carl Landry, but IMHO its really boozerv2. Patterson is already a better rebounder and defender than Landry now, despite being 2 years younger.
