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Recent NBA 1st Round Pick Signs With Team In China

Originally posted on Fastbreak on FanNation
By Ben Stinar | Last updated 9/18/23

Justin Patton was initially the 16th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls but spent his rookie season with the Minnesota Timberwolves (he was part of the Jimmy Butler trade).

The former Creighton star most recently played in the league during the 2021 season when he was a member of the Houston Rockets and averaged 5.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 blocks per contest while shooting 41.4% from the field in 15 games.

Recently, Alberto De Roa of HoopsHype reported that Patton had signed a deal with the Shanxi Loongs.

Despite being the 16th pick in the NBA Draft, Patton has only played in 22 NBA games for the Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves.

His career averages are 3.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per contest while shooting 40.4% from the field and 25.0% from the three-point range.

In addition to his time in the NBA, Patton has also played in the G League and has career averages of 11.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.0 blocks per contest while shooting 49.5% from the field and 30.8% from the three-point range in 83 games.

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on FanNation and was syndicated with permission.

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