Patrick Patterson: At close to 18 and 10 in 2009, Patterson could have left Kentucky and assured himself of being a high 1st round pick. One year later, and his stock may have actually dropped due to his freshman teammates who Patterson now had to share the rock with, other potential lottery picks John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins and Eric Bledsoe.  Patterson is an NBA ready player with an NBA ready body. As ESPN says, he doesn’t wow you with any one attribute but is solid at everything. Patterson does not project as a top scorer at the next level, and due to his height there have been questions as to whether or not he will be able to play the 4 at the next level or if he will have to transition to the three.  Patterson may have a hard time at the 3, and whoever drafts him should employ him at the 4, either as a starter or backup, it will likely take him time to learn the 3. At the 4, Patterson has the skills to start right away.

How he’d fit with the Raptors: Patterson would be an ideal fit for the Raptors who are still in search of a glue guy, and come July 10, may need a new PF if Chris Bosh decides to leave. The plan is for Bargnani to slide into the 4 spot Bosh vacates, but if Colangelo decides that Patterson is the best fit and best player available on draft day, don’t be surprised to see this undersized 4 get his name called by the Toronto Raptors.  Patterson is the type of player Toronto fans would instantly fall for as he works hard on the court on every play.  The Raptors would likely try to transition him to the 3, where if he could learn to defend the position, he could excel and become a terror on the offensive end as a match-up nightmare.

Raptors Digest thoughts: Ultimately may not be talented enough to crack lottery despite interviewing extremely well at combine. The Raptors will take a serious look at Patterson if he is still available. But with Andrea Bargnani still on the roster they are likely not looking for a 4, and if they are looking at a 3, they may be looking at other options.

Now for some video:

Raju Byfield is a Senior Sports Writer for Raptors Digest.

Raju Byfield also writes for Win My Fantasy League as a Senior Sports Writer/Fantasy Sports Analyst.