When the OKC Thunder signed Patrick Patterson last summer, it was assumed by most, including Patterson, that the former Raptor would step into the Thunder’s starting lineup. Considering Taj Gibson departed for the Minnesota Timberwolves in free agency and Domantas Sabonis was included in the trade which brought in Paul George it was a reasonable assumption.
But, Patterson had his knee scoped on August 10, 2017, and the Thunder traded for Carmelo Anthony the day before training camp began. Therefore, Patterson’s starting spot was history, at least for the 2017-18 campaign.