NBA Comparison: Patrick Patterson

Strengths: Finished the year averaging 16.3/9.5/2.5 in 22 contests with shooting splits of 49.8/31.0/76.1, Foster gave glimpses of why he was considered one of the best players in the nation during his high school career … A power forward that has good size and strength for his position and should only become more physically imposing on both ends of the floor as he matures … His physical gifts allow him to be an active rebounder on both ends and get deep into the post when given the chance to back down his defender … While he isn’t an elite leaper or rim gazer, he does get off the ground quickly aiding his ability to win 50/50 balls … In transition, Foster has shown in the past that he can start the break off a rebound but as the season progressed he began deferring to his teammates and playing within his role more often … Understanding how to fill the lane coupled with the coordination of being able to catch and finish around the rim had led to easy transition points throughout the G-league showcase … An offensive minded forward, Foster can space the floor with his occasional three point shooting … While Foster can shoot the three, the majority of his offensive game runs through the post … As previously mentioned, Foster uses his strength to get deep into the post and finish around the rim … Being able to finish on both sides of the block, he challenges defenders every time he touches the ball … When he is not backing his defender down, he has shown that he can create space through a post fade … In addition to his post offense versatility, the relief of not seeing nearly as many double teams as he did during high school allowed his game to breathe … However, based on his past experiences he has proven that when challenged with multiple defenders he remains calm and works through the extra pressure … Currently, his passing ability stands at flashes of playmaking potential which should develop moving forward … If he can expand his court vision and become a playmaker out of the post it will only increase his chances of breaking into a starting lineup during his career … An area that Foster has improved upon and should look to continue to build upon is his ability to play within his role … Taking a step back from being the focal point of the offense has helped Foster understand where to pick and choose his spots …

Weaknesses: Foster clearly shows ability and potential but still has areas of his game that he must continue to improve … On the surface his shooting splits show an efficient player but going forward he should look to develop his three point shooting so he can be a true floor spacer at the next level … Currently averaging only one three point attempt a game, additional volume when it fits the flow of the offense should help him improve over time … In addition to his lack of three point attempts, he is only averaging a pair of free throw attempts which is frustrating given the size and strength he has  … Shooting 75% is solid but may be slightly inflated considering his limited trips to the line … This also leads to a question about his offensive aggression when he receives the ball in the post, on many possessions when Foster has position he will back his opponent into the paint and work for a layup. However, if he is met with resistance, he can be forced into taking a bad shot out of the post … While he does have the ability to make fade aways, they aren’t always the best shot on the floor, which should come with developing as a passer … Foster’s jumpshot is fluid and looks to have strong mechanics from the shoulders down, the one question mark that may arise is how far he brings the ball back … His firm breaks down on outside shots … He brings the ball behind his head when shooting three point attempts … This could become less efficient in the NBA as the size, length and speed of his opponents increases … Defensively, he doesn’t have the athletic ability/explosiveness to be an elite shot blocker or rim protector and lacks the length to be a consistent disruptor in passing lanes … Moving forward he should continue to work on his defensive positioning and team defense … He isn’t the slowest defender and can challenge shots but l found himself out of position at times this season.

Outlook: Expect Foster to be drafted in the early to mid second round … It could be difficult for him to move up draft boards because it doesn’t seem that he will be able to do anything elite at the next level … If he can continue to work on his current game, specifically improving his efficiency, free throw attempts and defensive ability, he should be a solid rotation player in the future. Based on his age and the rising talent level in the NBA and G-League, Foster will most likely spend the majority of his rookie season in the G-League.

Notes: Measured: 6’7.75” barefoot, 6’9.25” in shoes, 9’1.5” standing reach, 236.6 lbs, 7’0.25” wingspan at the 2022 NBA Draft Combine …Foster, like his G-League Ignite teammate Jaden Hardy, was considered a top ten recruit from the 2021 class.

Joe Casey 6/13/22

Strengths: 6’9 versatile forward … Strong frame and doesn’t shy away from physicality … Good mobility, coordination, and athleticism. Long strides, covers a lot of ground on drives, and runs the floor very well. Quick off the ground. Finishes everything within close with a dunk and flashes finesse when appropriate. Uses glass when appropriate … Can score inside and out. Flashes a faceup game. Good set point on shot. Shows a fadeaway … Can create scoring opportunities for himself. Although not ideal, has shown he can score against double-teams and when congested … Can make very impressive passes when he plays alert. Plays well off the dribble at his size … Good motor … Good rebounder on both ends. Takes defensive rebounds from one end to the other and converts offensive boards into points well. Averaged 7.6 rebounds per game over the Nike EYBL and finished 6^th with 6.5 per game at the NBPA Top 100 in 2019 … Has the foundation of a small ball big man, development will be key …

Weaknesses: Length is slightly above height with a 6’9.5 wingspan … Can improve efficiency. Averaged 14.3 points per game on 42.6% FG% over the Nike EYBL and 10.3 points per game on 39.5% FG% at the NBPA Top 100 in 2019 … Can improve feel for game, and while it speaks to his talent his ability to score at times that aren’t within the flow of the offense, he’s going to have to hone it as his career progresses. Settles for too many jump shots, fadeaways, and can improve consistency. Shot 30% 3PT% on 2.7 attempts per game over the Nike EYBL and 18.8% 3PT% on 4 attempts per game at the NBPA Top 100 in 2019 … Can improve as a free throw shooter. Shot 56% FT% over the Nike EYBL and 66.7% (4-6) FT% at the NBPA Top 100 in 2019 … Only averaged 0.6 blocks per game over the Nike EYBL in 2019 … Can protect the ball better on drives and putting it on the floor in traffic. Over-dribbles and tries to do too much as a ball handler at times. Can have tunnel vision, putting his head down and making it predictable when he’s going to shoot … Can improve defensive awareness, knowing when to help, and overall defensive positioning …

Outlook: G-League Ignite rookie … Transferred to Hillcrest Prep after his sophomore year … 2021 McDonald’s All-American … Named to the 2021 Jordan Brand Classic … Scored 13 points to win MVP of the 2019 Underclassman All-American Game …

Evan Tomes 8/29/21