Atlanta Hawks: 12 Potential Targets in Free Agency

Justin Patton

As has already been explored elsewhere, the Atlanta Hawks would do well to sign Justin Patton, formerly of the Philadelphia 76ers, as soon as possible.

Patton was recently cut loose from Philly in favor of grizzled journeyman Greg Monroe, who will look to act as a mole for the 76ers after playing with all three of the Raptors, Bucks and Celtics over the past 1½ seasons.

With gamesmanship on the mind, Patton was a casualty of the move. Whatever team picks him up will have an interesting high-upside big man to contend with, and the Atlanta Hawks should definitely be involved in the discussions.

Patton has legitimate center size with a burly 7-foot-tall frame and a plus wingspan. Though he hasn’t been able to showcase his skills very much in two star-crossed seasons with playoff-bound teams, the Atlanta Hawks will likely be able to give him a long-term home at the center spot – assuming Dewayne Dedmon leaves in free agency after two very productive years in Atlanta.

Patton will turn 22 this offseason, but that still fits the youth-oriented timeline that the Hawks are operating under. A former lottery pick with high upside, Patton has both the pedigree and physical profile to be a difference-maker for this Hawks team at the center spot going forward.