Creighton’s high-upside, rim-running big who flashed NBA tools
In the 2016-17 season, Justin Patton was a breakout Creighton center, earning BIG EAST Freshman of the Year honors while averaging 12.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and shooting 67.6% from the field[2][9]. His differentiators were easy to spot: elite length and athleticism for a 7-footer, strong pick-and-roll finishing, plus unexpected touch with 8 made threes that season[10][13]. The caution flag is durability and development arc—he was a one-and-done and later dealt with injury setbacks in his pro career, so he’s a fit if a team wants a mobile, high-motor big with real upside, not a finished product[1][2][15].
