The Kobe Stopper is a Buck

In yet another step in his radical makeover of the Milwaukee Bucks roster, Larry Harris shored up the Bucks obvious need for a defensive swingman by acquiring the self-proclaimed "Kobe Stopper", Ruben Patterson, from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for the old warhorse Joe Smith.

While Smith's rebounding and moxy will be missed, he was breaking down, and Patterson's athleticism, defense, and willingness to attack the basket will be a welcome addition for the Antlerheads. Patterson is essentially everything that Desmond Mason once was. He has no outside jump shot, but, unlike Mason, he accepts this limitation and tries to compensate for it by making most all of his offensive moves off the dribble and into the lane. Thus, while Mason's eFG% blows chow and always has, Patterson's is well above 50%.

One problem Patterson must shore up, however, is his absolute lack of respect for ball possession. His Ballhandler rating is very low for a perimeter player, and he turns the ball over at a pace that mirrors former Buck TJ Ford (4.2/48min). Basically, his handle is pretty weak.

The other thing that concerns me at this point is that the Bucks series of moves this off-season has essentially gutted their one obvious strength from last season: rebounding. Simmons and Villanueva will have to make a concerted effort to clean the glass next season, or it will effectively be Bogut against the world.

Here is a run down of some important statistics regarding Mr. Patterson.

Ruben Patterson 6'5 1/2'' swingman

eff48.........................19.54
eFG: ...................................54.5%
eFG on Jumpers....................26.1%
eFG on Inside shots.................64.6%
Basket Attack%(FTA/FGA).................36.0%
Defensive eFG...........................49.0% (46.2% at SF)
Ballhandler Rating....................11.3
Passer Rating...........................5.3
Rebounds/48min......................6.8