Detroit Pistons sign center Justin Patton

The Detroit Pistons announced the team has signed 23-year-old center Justin Patton to a contract. The signing marks the first official move of the Troy Weaver era, and with his first move Detroit’s latest GM signed someone he was familiar with.

Patton, originally the 16th pick of 2017 NBA Draft, played five games for the OKC Thunder this season and 23 games for its G League affiliate. Patton measures out at 6-foot-11 and 241 pounds.

Patton’s highlight for the season was an explosive 45-point showing in the G League as a member of the Oklahoma City Blue. He was 19-of-30 from the field including 4-of-7 from deep, and added 14 rebounds, nine assists and four blocks.

In that game, Patton was able to showcase decent agility and body control along with quality touch around the basket and with his jump shot. Still, that kind of success was rare in the G League and non-existent in the pros.

In nine career games he is averaging just 1.8 points, 1.2 rebounds and shooting 36.8% from the field in 5.4 minutes per game. In 79 career G League games, Patton is averaging 11.9 points on 49.6% from the field, 6.4 rebonds and 2 blocks in 24 minutes per game.

The Pistons had an open roster spot so the only thing it costs them is the inability to sign another player unless they are willing to cut someone already on the 15-person roster.