Patrick Patterson, UFA
Position: Power Forward
Age: 28 (3/14/1989)
Experience: 7th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .401/.372/.717
2016-17 Season Averages: 24.6 MPG, 6.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.4 3PM
The Toronto Raptors have a number of gifted role players whom the New York Knicks should consider poaching. At the front of that list is a power forward who would perfectly fit what Jeff Hornacek is attempting to do on both ends of the floor.
Patrick Patterson may not be the most statistically prolific player in the NBA, but he’s a true two-way player who can torment opposing teams.
Patterson’s primary offensive appeal is his ability to work without the ball and space the floor with his efficient jump shot. He can hurt teams from midrange and has legitimate 3-point range that he routinely pulls out in the playoffs.
A career 36.8 percent shooter from beyond the arc, Patterson knows how to find his spots and launch the 3-ball at a highly effective and efficient rate.
By adding Patterson to the rotation, the Knicks would improve on both ends of the floor. Patterson ranked No. 9 amongst power forwards in Real Plus-Minus, including rankings of No. 8 in Offensive RPM and No. 21 in Defensive RPM.
With 37 games of postseason experience and a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, Patterson would be an outstanding complement to Willy Hernangomez and Kristaps Porzingis.