The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers don’t need the trade or buyout market to make the Finals

By Jack Duffy

Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Justin Patton

The Sixers acquired center Justin Patton in the Jimmy Butler trade back in November and not many people thought much of the acquisition of the second-year big man out of Creighton. Patton was high on every NBA team’s draft board entering the 2017 NBA Draft and he was taken with the 16th overall pick. Patton has only played four total minutes in his NBA career due to foot surgeries but there is still some promise in the 21-year-old.

Justin Patton was valued coming into the NBA for his ability to score out of the post, pick-and-roll/ pick-and-pop game, ability to stretch the floor with a decent jump shot, and his solid shot-blocking skills.

A huge gap on the Sixers’ roster is the backup center position. Even though Patton has only played in one game over his first two years, he is supposed to be able to play by the end of the season and he could provide some valuable minutes off the bench.

Any big that can set solid screens, stretch the floor, and play solid defense is valuable in the modern NBA. Patton has the potential to be that backup big alongside Jonah Bolden and Mike Muscala to hold down the center position while Joel Embiid rests.