What he said is understandable, I just hope that he doesn't start chucking it just to get points up. He needs to try to rebound more, cut more, and play better defense while consistently practicing that 3. They've both looked pretty good to be honest. Morris does seem to give better spacing so I'd have to give the nod to Morris at this time, personally speaking.
The Rockets seem to be a merit based team when it comes to playing time. If Patterson plays better than Morris, then he'll start. Although he does seem to be less affected by coming off the bench than Morris, so that may factor in. But if the coaches tell him he can finish games, he'll likely be satisfied. From a matchup standpoint, IMO Patterson should play with Greg Smith as much as possible for defensive reasons.
Until Patterson has a better string of games playing like last night, Morris should still start. My beef with Patrick remains, his defense and offense are random depending on match ups and the only consistent thing is that he will try to shot the ball like he is a Dirk even when his shot isn't falling. If he can prove he is scoring consistently from the bench, I'd be ok with him taking the starting PF spot back but until then I'd think given the team's turn around Morris at the PF is fine.
Calvin Murphy said it best, every night it should be about match-ups. Both guys should get around 25-29 mpg, the only question will be who starts.
I say keep him on the bench. He is a better fit at PF with Toney Ouglas, so sync 2Pat's minutes accordingly. Having only one big out there on the floor when Ouglas is defending the ballhandler is just too hard to watch.
I would say keep Morris starting. Rocket transition game is better with Morris. He streaky 3pt shooting and I think run the floor better. If Morris struggling with shot at start of game, that's a tall tale sign to bring in PPAT. Whoever plays better I would say end the games.
Don't lock the position. Play whoever is playing better. Both, but especially Pat, play harder when they have reason to. Eventually one has to learn to be a consistently good starter.
24 minutes each for both players. One gets more than 24 mins if he's playing better in a particular game.
Patterson has a bit more height, length and upside at the PF position, I think. Start Patterson. Morris is more of a bench player who comes in a hits a couple of jump shots. Maybe a string of jump shots, but his skill would best serve the team off the bench as an instant offense type.
I honestly would rather keep patterson as a bench big for the future. I think you continue starting morris b/c you can win with him and boost trade value.
patterson came in last night and rebounded harder than i have ever seen him try. Guess he wants his start back
All that shows is that he has the capability but was never motivated enough to rebound. If he had half the motivation as a Kenneth Faried, he'd be a very good starter. He has the defense and he has the offense. Quite literally the only thing missing from his game is rebounding. If he wants to get his starting job back I hope he puts forth the effort on the glass first.
Two observations: 1. Both of these guys (especially Patterson) are competitors. I think this competition is good for them, especially on the rebounding front (mostly about effort). Unlike Lowry and Brooks, I also don't think Patterson is the type to sulk if he loses out on the job. Remember he was the guy that held together that Kentucky team with Cousins and Wall (and took a backseat to those younger guys). 2. It's awesome that Mook has proven all of the haters wrong and is now a key cog in the Rockets rotation. EVERYONE was willing to give up on him after just one season. Just goes to show that the Rockets model of slow development CAN work.
10 rebounds in 22 minutes. I believe Patterson has more upside as a rebounder than Morris has. Patterson could become an 8-9 rebound per game player in the NBA if he puts his mind to it and makes the effort. The softer, shorter, short-armed Morris will always be a 5-6 rebound per game guy, regardless of effort. That's just who he is. And that's not what you want at your starting PF position, except in reserve duty when you need a frontcourt shooter off the bench.
Patterson could be a better rebounder if coach didn't tell him to sprint down the court as soon as the ball is launched in order to create fast break opportunities. You people seriously need to stop focusing on rebounding.
