It seems that popular opinion is that Patterson has limited upside. So I ask, why? I look at the power forwards of past all-star games, and I don't see all of them destined for stardom when they were drafted. I don't see them all with qualities Patterson can't possibly measure up. So I don't see why Patterson has little upside in people's minds. What makes Patterson so inherently limited that he can't be an all-star power forward? I think he can be a perennial all-star. Sure, things must go right for that to happen. He does have to develop his game, work hard, etc. But I see no reason why we should write him off as "at most a solid NBA starter" before he's even played a single game.
He sure can be, so could: Aaron Brooks Jordan Hill Chase Budinger Jermaine Taylor Heck any young guy COULD become a star....no one really knows what Patterson will become.... He might be the next Carlos Boozer, or the next Buck Johnson.....you just never know. But I think the Rox are happy with the pick and so should we, to get a quality player at 14, that might contribute THIS year would be huge. DD
I believe Patterson's upside will be similar to Carl Landry's game. And I consider Landry a pretty damn fantastic player so PP in my opinion has great upside. If he can develop into a 15pt/10rb/1.5 blk player with high FG, decent FT and hard-nosed defense, he will be perfect for this team. It would be awesome if he could bring these numbers and high energy off the bench in his rookie year. I think PP is gonna be a great player for the Rockets.
I think it's a combination of him being "older" and "short." Well, let's compare his measurements to a guy everybody here wanted last year in Amare, the PROTOTYPICAL POWER FORWARD. 6' 8.5" 6' 10" 233 7' 1.75" 9' 0.5" 35.5 12 11.19 3.25 6' 8" 6' 9.25" 240 7' 1.25" 8' 11" 33.5 17 11.14 3.25 Amare has "amazing" size being a half inch taller, with an inch taller standing reach, half inch taller soles on his shoes and came 7 lbs lighter. Even now at 26 Amare has filled out to an awesome 240. Amare is a superior athlete with a jaw-dropping TWO inch higher vertical jump than Patterson. Patterson is slightly quicker at lane agility. Amare is a BEAST with awesome strength, while old man Patterson was only able to muster five more presses on the bench press. Patterson is an "old" college graduate at 21, Amare was a young "high potential" high school graduate at 20. Patterson spent another year in college to expand his game, and while it hurt his draft position (he would have been a top ten last year) it showed at least to me that he is the ultimate team player. He went from being the go-to guy to being a super role player (14/7.5 wasn't shabby next to Cousins) and never complained. He embraced his new teammates and did everything he could to help the program win games. I have no doubt that he will be better than Amare at least defensively, because that is all about commitment, effort, and heart. We always wondered how much better a blue collar workhorse like Landry could have been with a little more size. Well I guess when Morey said he would replace Landry through the draft, he meant "I'm going to get Landry 2.0, complete with a 5 inch taller standing reach." I guess I am one of the guys that says give me that any day.
Great post. I am onboard the Patterson train. If Patterson can gain another 10 lbs of muscle without losing much of his agility, we will have our prototype Karl Malone.
Amare was not that hyped coming into the league. He was drafted 9th in a weak draft. Amare proved himself during his first year.
He has good size and frame for a standard PF. He's athletic. Fairly skilled and shows improving shooting touch. He appears to have a good head on his shoulder and willing to work hard and impove. He has all the making to be good. I think at the least, he will be a servicable player. How good? That's what makes the draft fun. Sit back and wait.
Patterson seems to be the ultimate team player. If he was gong to a bad team, I believe he could be a star. Houston has lots of talent, so I see him sacrificing his personal game and doing what's best for the team.
They said at the most recent combine he's measured to be taller(He's actually 6'9" without shoes). Personally I like him when checking his youtube clip. You can feel there's a heart of beast under a gentle attitude. His ceiling would be a max player to me for now.
I'll believe he has a future in Houston when Hill or Scola get traded. Or maybe when Hill puts on 30 lbs. in the weight room.
I guess I will ask it here . . What are some other John Cal coached players in the league. I always go back to Marcus Camby. He is the one that stands out. While not Dominant . .. Camby is consistant. If PP can be that. . . I am good Rocket River
