Lamar Patterson is Worthy of a Roster Spot in 2015-16

 

When the Hawks traded their 2015 second round pick to Milwaukee to pick up Lamar Patterson with the 48th overall selection in last year’s draft, I couldn’t have been any happier. I knew Danny Ferry had found second round gold once again. Ferry has a knack for finding great rotational players that fit the Hawks’ system late in the draft, such as Mike Muscala and Mike Scott. Edy Tavares and Lamar Patterson may have been stashed overseas this past season, but they both have the ability to contribute to this team in the future. If you watched Lamar Patterson play in his senior season at Pitt, you saw a guy who could just straight up ball. Every time I watched him play I was thoroughly impressed. The reason why Patterson was a second round pick was because he didn’t really break out until his senior year. However, he showed the ability to score and distribute at a high level and dominated in Pitt’s first season in the ACC. He shot 37% from beyond the arc in his college career and displayed a high basketball IQ as well as great leadership skills. At the conclusion of Patterson’s senior season, he had averages of 17.1 PPG, 4.2 APG and 4.9 RPG and was selected to the All-ACC Second Team. He was one of the most complete players in the conference and the man at Pitt.

Though the Hawks had a bit of a logjam at shooting guard this past season, with the team not picking up John Jenkins’ option there is now an opening. The 23-year-old played last season in Turkey, where he played for Tofas Bursa. He fared pretty well for a first-year player, averaging 11.2 PPG, 2.2 APG and 3.4 RPG as a starter. He shot 35% from beyond the arc. Look, these numbers don’t scream “superstar,” but this is a guy who I think has the potential to be a difference maker off our bench if he buys into the system. Though he stands at 6’5”, Patterson’s 6’11” wingspan possesses him with the length to become a good defender at the next level. Patterson will be able to play the 2 or the 3 (and maybe even the 1 in emergency situations). Patterson’s ability to score from long range and selflessness are what make him a perfect fit for the Hawks.

According to Chris Vivlamore, Patterson will be a member of our Summer League team in Las Vegas:

Patterson played for the squad last summer as well. Barring a free agent signing or draft selection at the 2 spot, the former Panther will likely be given a strong shot to make the roster this year, and it all starts with a good Summer League performance. With the way our team emphasizes player development, I think Atlanta is the right place for Patterson to improve his game. He will, without a doubt, have his chance this summer.

Take a look at his senior season highlight tape below to get a taste of how he plays the game:

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