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2017 Orlando Magic Free Agency Preview: The Power Forwards

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Dec 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) celebrates a three pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the 76ers 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) celebrates a three pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the 76ers 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patrick Patterson, Toronto Raptors
Nov 6, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) looks on against the Sacramento Kings at Air Canada Centre. The Kings beat the Raptors 96-91. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Patrick Patterson, Toronto Raptors

Per Game Table
Season Age Tm G MP FG% 3P% eFG% FT% TRB AST TOV PTS
2016-17 27 TOR 65 24.6 .401 .372 .523 .717 4.5 1.2 0.6 6.8
Career 477 24.0 .459 .368 .521 .744 4.7 1.2 0.8 7.9

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/28/2017.

When Patrick Patterson signed a three-year, $18 million contract, the Magic were right on his heels. Orlando had Patterson in for a visit during that free agency before Patterson decided to stick with the Toronto Raptors. The Magic turned quickly to Channing Frye after that (paying more and giving him more years than Patterson ultimately signed with the Raptors).

Patterson’s faith in Toronto was rewarded to some extent. The Raptors experienced tremendous success, making the Playoffs in all three years and reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2016. Patterson averaged 7.3 points per game and made 36.8 percent of his 3-pointers for a 53.2 percent effective field goal percentage.

Patterson undoubtedly slowed down some last year. The Raptors buried him a bit on the bench when they acquired Serge Ibaka from the Magic. His minutes decreased as did his efficiency from beyond the arc.

He is a prototypical stretch-4 in every sense of the word. Patterson is good for a few rebounds, but he is more likely to be effective staying out on the perimeter and hoisting 3-pointers. He helps spread the floor that way. He is not a particularly good defender.

But for the amount of money the Magic have to spend and his serviceability as a floor-spacer, the Magic could do much worse than Patterson. Much, much worse.