2018 (Round: 2 / Pick: 33)
Played for Dallas Mavericks for 4 years (rookie year through year 4 – 21/22)
Worked closely with Coach Peter Patton from 2018 through 2022 NBA Season
Free Throw Shooting % went from 72.5% to 84% over 4 years
3 point shooting % went from 34.8% to 37.3% with increased volume
FG% went from 46% to 50% with increased volume
from Basketball Reference
Typical instruction included
– Daily Shooting Drills to improve form and shooting percentages
– 1 on 1 video room and analyzing with Coach Peter
Jalen worked with Coach Peter 6 Days a Week
– Typical day included 40 minutes of work in the morning
– They would start with touch shots and right hand development
– Jalen and Coach Peter would pick 2 skills to work on. Other examples included feet/balance or hands and follow through.
– Jalen and Coach Peter worked on hand placement on the ball
– The next morning after a game often included pick and roll dynamics and learnings along with specific improvements from situations in last nights game.
Typical instruction on the nighttime with Jalen consisted of about 30 minutes at night after a game or after practice which usually included technique and skilled based instruction and workouts.
Peter on Jalen’s Growth as Player
Jalen asked great questions like “what is the best shot for me?” which would often lead to discussion and workouts that incorporated the mental aspect and improvement of Jalen’s game
Peter worked with Jalen over the years on learning “Jalen’s Shot”. What is Jalen’s best shot? Using analytics to determine that AND add new shots so the repetoire of ideas and moves Jalen is competent in, grows.
Peter observed Jalen changing and growing his form of communication as he grew from NCAA star into a young man and capable community member, teammate and of course basketball player that most NBA teams want.
Part of the instruction from Peter involved listening to Jalen. Other times it was teaching.
Peter on Jalen’s commitment to the process
“He showed up every single night including days he was tired – even watching film” – Jalen focused on becoming a better player and had the idea of…“I’m gonna make my next contract” driving him. Jalen wanted to and still does want to become an all-star NBA for the respect of his NBA peers. Based on his continued growth in New York in 2022/23 perhaps he will next season.
As a professional basketball player in the NBA, I can confidently say that the hard work and training I’ve put in with Peter Patton has been instrumental in my success on the court. Peter’s expertise and dedication to helping athletes reach their full potential is unmatched, and I am grateful for the countless hours we have spent together honing my skills and pushing me to be better every day.
I would encourage anyone who is serious about taking their game to the next level to train with Peter. His proven methods and unwavering commitment to his clients are second to none, and I can attest firsthand to the positive impact he can have on your game. Whether you are an aspiring athlete or a seasoned pro, Peter has the knowledge and experience to help you achieve your goals and reach new heights in your career.
~ Jalen Brunson NY Knicks
Dorian Finney-Smith (DFS) played for Mavs since drafted in 2016 through his trade to Brooklyn Nets in 2023
DFS worked closely with Peter Patton since 2018/19 season
3 point shooting was 29% before working with PP
Went from 31% in 1st year to 39.5% in 4th year
FG% went from 37% to 47% with increased volume
From Rookie to Optimizer for DFS
Dorain saw Peter Patton working with Jalen Brunson and one day asked coach Peter, “Can you work with me?”
Coach Peter’s answer of course was, “I’d love to!”
Peter comments on working with DFS.
DFS would come in most every night for 3 years to work with Coach Peter. Peter started by working from the ground up, because DFS shot was flat.
Coach Peter and DFS worked on improving his range by improving his arc and getting a solid based. If you look at tape from before 2018, DFS’s base was narrow and flimsy. After dedicated work, DFS base is solid and his shooting results followed.
Josh Green by the number
Drafted #18 in 1st round in 2020
Josh has worked closely with Peter Patton since Fall of 2020.
3 point shooting was 29% before working with PP
Went from 31% in 1st year to 39.5% in 4th year
FG% went from 37% to 47% with increased volume
via Basketball Reference
Typical instruction included
Josh works with coach Peter everyday as well as twice a week at night
1 on 1 for 90 minutes.
10 minutes on form shooting
10 footwork on layups and finishing
Stationary active form shooting – 10 min
Off the dribble – mid-range spots – working on shooting off the dribble – more of a balance drill than a shooting drill
3 pt line – 15 minutes – specifically – shooting the exact shoots in the game, create the same shot every time.
Peter focuses on stay in routine and staying in character as a player and professional with Josh.
Bio Mechanics work with Josh Green
When Coach Peter started working with Josh his right knee was collapsing via valgus alignment issue. Peter worked with Josh to build a better base and balance on his shot which in turn improved his follow through and accuracy as indicated by Josh’s improved shooting metrics and roll on the Mavericks.
Working within Maxi's Framework
Maxi is a super smart and intelligent human being and a well read individual.
Coach Patton started working with Maxi after the previous group of coaches moved on and made sure, that Maxi knew that for them to have success working together, Maxi had to buy into the process.
It took relationship building and some of the results that Peter had with other players, but Maxi did buy in, and the results speak for themselves.
Maxi's work with Peter
Kleber’s shot, like many taller players was flat and as Coach Patton does, he started from the ground up with Maxi.
Peter and Maxi worked together before and after practice for 3 years. Maxi’s dedication to the process was instrumental in his success as a shooter.
“As a professional basketball player who’s played overseas and in the NBA for 6 years, I can confidently say that Peter Patton is one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with. His attention to detail, his ability to communicate complex concepts in a simple manner, and his unwavering commitment have all contributed to my success. I’m incredibly grateful to Coach Patton for all that he’s done for me and for the countless other players he’s mentored over the years. He’s not just a coach but also a teacher. I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without his guidance and support, and I’m honored to have worked with him for the past 5 years. Any player who has the opportunity to work with Peter is truly fortunate, and I have no doubt that he will continue to develop and inspire players for years to come.”
– Maxi Kleber