Pros and cons of each Portland Trail Blazers training camp veteran
By Andy Quach
3. Pros and cons of Patrick Patterson
Pros: Reliable, versatile defender, spot-up shooting
Cons: Non-threat on offense, low ceiling, mileage
Patrick Patterson is the safest pick out of the Blazers training camp options, as the former Kentucky Wildcat has built an 11-year NBA career.
Patterson is a solid defender, both on the inside and on the perimeter. He can guard positions 3-5 comfortably. While he’s no longer a shutdown artist, he’s almost never in the wrong place at the wrong time and usually makes the right play.
On offense, he’s shot nearly 37 percent from deep on three attempts per game since 2014-2015, according to statmuse. He’ll provide both floor spacing and size to the Blazers lineup and can allow them to play five-out in spurts as a small-ball center.
He won’t offer much else on offense, but at this point in his career, shouldn’t be expected to.
With already 11 seasons under his belt, Patterson will likely only be a valuable contributor in spurts. Within those spurts though, the Blazers will get exactly what they expect from him. Will that be enough to earn him a spot on next year’s roster?