I just saw this on ESPN Insider, David Thorpe listed the best surprises of the rookie class and look what he says about our boy Pat Pat: "3. Patrick Patterson might be the best jump shooter in this class. In fact, he might be the best offensive rookie this season. Guys like John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins and Blake Griffin will likely end up being better offensive players, but Patterson has been terrific. He's made over 69 percent of his inside shots and over 55 percent from 16 to 23 feet. Nobody puts up numbers like those. Nobody. He's also shown the ability to score over people with athleticism, good hands and even the beginnings of some "Scolas" (scoops or half-hooks coming off fakes). Arriving to the NBA with the reputation of someone who knew how to play a role, he might end up being a top-three scorer for a good team early in his career." Congrats Patterson
He's still a work in progress, defensive rebounding would be my only concern with him, postgame is still raw. Jumper? not only the best in the class but I'd dare say he is arguably top 5 shooter (PF) in the league.
It's nice to see Pat get some recognition. He seems like a good guy, and a real hard worker. Congrats 2Pat!
When Morey made the move to draft a power forward last year with the Rockets first round pick when they already had four on the roster (Scola, Hayes, Hill and Jeffries), I was dubious. But Morey said we have to get the best player available, because the goal is to get a player that can play, regardless of the current staffing at the position. I was wary, especially since we appeared to need a backup center so badly. But there was no real option available in the draft for a backup center. And Morey decided to forgo the SG's and SF's as well. So the Rockets had five power forwards under contract to start the current season. Alrighty then. But now this choice is starting to look like another very strong move by Daryl Morey. Hill has not continued to progress as much as expected and Chuck Hayes has been back to center. Clearly, Patterson looks like the probably #2 PF going into next season, and could well be the starter once Scola inevitably begins to lose his edge in the years to come. As far as Hill goes, who knows. But Patrick Patterson is looking like a keeper.
What sets him apart is his energy. You can see it every game, he's out there hustling, making plays, trying to block every shot, trying to grab every board. That is Rockets basketball, these are the guys you absolutely love to have as a part of your team. Its a joy to watch Patterson and now we see why the Rockets draft room was cheering this past June when his name was still on the board.
Great to see. Man, if Patrick can pick up a lot of Scola's moves around the basket, he's going to be a hell of a weapon. While it'd be nice if he were a couple of inches taller, if he had been, we wouldn't have been able to get him. Patterson has the athleticism we wish Luis had.
If he has OT's hustle and rebounding then I will be ecstatic considering Pat is a much better offensive player that OT.
I like what I'm hearing. I love the way he just plays. Straight face, plays tough, does shoot very well. Hope he gets to stick around. A successor to Scola maybe.
The guy knows what he is doing, plain and simple. No hesitation on his jumpers. He hits them early or late. Against the spurs, IIRC, there was a play when he came over to the corner to double a player and once the player picked up his dribble I thought "trap him". I've seen too many players, even vets, not trap in that situation and get caught in between. PP immediately stepped up and trapped him, causing him to use a TO. His thinking process is automatic and instinctive.
He is very sharp for a rookie, but still a rookie. Sometimes his activity gets him in trouble-- like early fouls last game-- and he can use some polishing on defensive rebounding (attempting to challenge shots, it seems, take him away from rebouding position sometimes) and post moves. Very much looking forward to seeing what the Black Karl Malone can do.
Two things: - Our scouting/drafting team has got to be the best in the league bar none. Also check out Minnesota's drafting history (GOOD GOD) - We should run more plays for Patterson because it seems like he never misses that jumper.
