CHICAGO - When Marcus Lee scored just four points and played only 46 seconds in the entire second half of San Miguel’s 119-112 loss to Titan last March 21, we knew he was cooked.
That’s what Sherlock Holmes calls a clue.
Which is why Lee, despite scoring 30 against TNT last Saturday, was yanked after the Beermen suffered their second loss in three starts.
READ Justin Patton in, Lee out as SMB changes import after 1-2 start
At 6-foot-11 and 241 lbs, San Miguel’s replacement import is an inch taller and 16 pounds bigger. He is also three years younger at 28.
HIGH POTENTIAL
Meet Justin Patton, a former Chicago Bull and the 16th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Credentials-wise, Patton is an upgrade, but according to an NBA scouting report, he is almost the same player as Lee.
Just like Lee, Patton is an athletic, high-energy big who is so mobile he can defend guards and chase for blocks.
Patton has a little more versatility on his offense but he doesn’t have 3-point shot, just 25 precent during his time in the NBA where he averaged 3.9 points and 2.7 rebounds.
INJURY CONCERNS.
Here’s a potential issue in late-game scenarios: Patton shot 66.7 percent from the free throw line during his four-year NBA run.
He also struggled with injuries. Patton broke his left foot in 2017. A year later, he broke his right foot.
When healthy, Patton can be a superb addition to a loaded SMC team.
Look, Justin Brownlee went undrafted in the NBA in 2011 and he turned into the Michael Jordan of imports in the PBA.
Patton may not be a household name among PBA fans but he does have a Philippine connection.
In the 2016-17 season of the US NCAA, Patton was in the same Creighton Blue Jays roster with Kobe Paras.
In a Season 50 PBA Commissioner’s Cup where TNT’s Bol Bol is the yardstick for imports, Patton sure has his work cut out for him.
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