While Dwane Casey stated last month that both Patrick Patterson and James Johnson are both better suited to come off the bench, Patterson feels that the starting power forward position is his to lose.
And rightfully so.
As the season ever-so-gently approaches, the possibility of ending the off-season with only two authentic power forwards in Scola and Patterson becomes more realistic.
From the Toronto Star:
“Realistically, that’s the one role that’s not filled yet,” said Patterson, who averaged 8.0 points and 5.3 rebounds a game last season. “I see it as it’s mine to lose . . . But it’s all about what coach (Dwane) Casey wants, what (general manager) Masai (Ujiri) sees, and who works hard and who earns it.”
Patterson could certainly guard most power-forwards in the East, while Scola would likely slot in as a starter against the more traditional non-shooting fours in the league. It would be an interesting scenario for Dwane Casey to work with. Starting Patterson at the four would stretch the floor in a way that Amir Johnson never could despite the latter forming a semi-respectable three-point shot last season.
Will-Lou dissected this topic more thoroughly last week:
There’s also the point about the Raptors’ future. Patterson is 26 and likely near his prime, but he represents the Raptors’ best long-term solution at power forward. Scola signed a one-year deal to fill a need and Johnson is on an expiring deal. Patterson might not be perfect, but at least he has a chance to become a mainstay.
Altogether, starting Patterson is no slam dunk, but in lieu of a better candidate, the starting power forward position should be Patterson’s job to lose. It’s not a perfect solution, but he’s the Raptors’ most talented power forward and that’s the job of the coaching staff — to make it all work.
