Patrick Patterson, Rockets: Luis Scola's absence meant increased minutes for the rookie out of Kentucky. What did he do? Only put up three straight double-doubles, averaging 14.6 points and 11.6 rebounds in that span. I joined the Hang Time Podcast this week and when asked for the name of one player coming on late in the season, Patterson was my pick (listen here). Keep an eye on this big guy; Scola's back, but Patterson could be key to the Rockets' playoff push. Another small article on there: This is Patterson's second stint on the Ladder, after making a brief appearance back in January. I loved what I saw out of Patterson at the Las Vegas Summer League. He was a beast, had an advanced inside game for a rookie and, maybe more importantly, seemed like a truly good kid. He was a good interview, talking long after the locker room had cleared out, and showed a refreshing hustle on the court. "His energy has been awesome," teammate Kyle Lowry said recently. "He's been everywhere. He's been rebounding, shooting, scoring, running the floor (and) blocking shots. Even though he'll get a couple goaltending (calls) here and there, it's still good energy to show that we've got a guy like him who's down there with an athletic presence." -- March 22, 11:30 p.m. ET Makes me love Patterson even more, but reading about Asik really makes me wish we could have got him! Pugs
So, actually Patterson is ranked as 6th best draftie for this year. That's even ahead of Morey's original ranking? btw: Neal is overrated there. He's a 26 yr old (26 years old), spot-up 3pt shooter, benefiting from being left alone at the 3pt line. (Half his shots are 3ptrs.) Dime a dozen. I'm sure Luther Head would have lit it up on the Spurs as well, as a rookie. He nearly produced the same on the Rockets at 22yrs old. At 23yrs old, he actually produced better than a 26yr old Neal.
He's ranked 5th among 2010 draftees on that ladder, actually. Neither Blake Griffin (2009 draftee) nor Gary Neal (undrafted professional vet) were 2010 draftees.
The only two guys that I'd want on my team over Pat right now are Griffin and Cousins. For the future you can include Wall, Monroe, Asik. So I think when all is said and done, he will go down as 5th best player from this class, at worst.
I could see Wall, Turner, Favors, Monroe, and Cousins being better than Patterson. I believe those are the 5 ranked ahead of him on Morey's draft board.
I can't believe Patterson let a reporter see him giving performing oral sex on himself after the defensive lapses. Disgusting. I mean, I know he gets lonely and stuff but damn, don't do it in front of other people.
I was somewhat surprised too. i thought his game is similar to Brandon Roy's in college. Turns out he's a classic case of college success not translating to NBA.
I agree on all of them, except Evan Turner. Evan Turner was overrated coming into the draft, a lot of his skills and strengths from college aren't translating to the NBA. I don't see him being better than Patterson, now or in the longterm.
Patterson needs to quit flagellating himself so much and beat his chest instead like someone with a true star mentality.
