Justin Patton has been recalled to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Per Maddie Lee of The Oklahoman, the team announced the move on Sunday evening, following the news that Nerlens Noel will miss Monday’s game against Philadelphia with a sprained left ankle.
With Nerlens Noel listed as out tomorrow, the Thunder has recalled Justin Patton from the Blue. pic.twitter.com/TDhel0nUaY
— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) January 6, 2020
Noel was injured during the third quarter of Saturday’s win over the Cleveland Cavaliers when he stepped on the left foot of Tristan Thompson and rolled his ankle. He left the game and did not return.
Nerlens Noel is in a lot of pain. Rolled his ankle on this play. 😣 pic.twitter.com/7UJFvShQgW
— Up The Thunder (@UpTheThunder) January 5, 2020
Patton has spent the majority of the season with the Thunder’s NBA G-League affiliate, the OKC Blue.
He’s appeared in 21 games for the Blue with 20 starts. He’s averaging 10.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks in 27.2 minutes per game.
Patton’s status with the organization has been a question mark as of late. Patton’s name was mentioned in conjunction with trade rumors last week, as John Hollinger of The Athletic reported that the Thunder were “likely to trade” Patton within the coming week.
Patton has played in two games for the Thunder this season, scoring two points and pulling down two rebounds in nine total minutes.