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Brooklyn Nets: making a case for Patrick Patterson

By Darnell Gilet

Jan 30, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) puts up a shot during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) puts up a shot during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Brooklyn Nets enter into the off-season with more energy than fans could have hoped for.  Despite losing the number one overall pick to the Boston Celtics, the Nets still have the 22nd and 27th picks to work with.  However, similar to the summer of 2016, the Nets also have a boat load of cash to have an aggressive free agency period.

The rebuilding Brooklyn Nets have a great coach and budding culture.  In regards to personnel, the Nets Nets top rising stars are Caris Levert and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.  Furthermore, veteran center Brook Lopez posted one of the most impressive campaigns of his career.  Along with Jeremy Lin and Sean Kilpatrick, Kenny Atkinson brought in a three-point shooting system that aligns with the direction of the NBA.  This year, the Nets finished fourth in the league with 31.6 attempts per game.  However, they connected on just 33.8 percent of those attempts, which ranks 27th in the association.

As this free agency class is top heavy with players likely to stay put, the Nets must search for talent that aligns with their new style of play.  Despite the cap flexibility, Brooklyn must also be careful to spend their dollars wisely.  One bad signing can have adverse impact with familiar expensive unproductive players.  Considering their cap, and the players available, Patrick Patterson could potentially fit well moving forward.

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After an underwhelming playoffs, the 27 year old veteran out of Kentucky could come at a large scale discount.  In 18 minutes per game, the stretch forward averaged just three points on only 30.5 percent shooting from deep.  Those that watched his play against the Cavaliers collectively cringed at the barrage of misses on wide open attempts.  However, don’t let his recent slump distract you from the production he has had over the years.

Since 2013-2014, Patterson has been a legitimate three-point threat.  He has averaged 36.7 percent from beyond the arc despite playing in an isolation style offense in Toronto.  Moving to the more fluid system Atkinson has implemented in Brooklyn could lead to an increase in offensive production from Patterson.  Although Patterson doesn’t provide much in terms of assists or rebounds, his defense is solid and he would serve as a piece off the bench behind Hollis-Jefferson.

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Ideally, Nets fans would love to land more notable free agents such as Kentavius Caldwell-Pope or Tim Hardaway Jr.  However, considering where the Nets came from, a slow build with safe low cost investments allows for a safer rebuild.  The last thing Brooklyn needs is a large contract that backfires.  Patterson is a low risk, high floor option that would add immediate value to the Nets for the 2016-2017 season.