2010 NBA Draft Results: Houston Rockets Go Big With Patrick Patterson

The Houston Rockets selected Patrick Patterson with the 14th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft.

Patterson had a productive college career at Kentucky, but he was often overshadowed by his younger teammates.

Patterson will have plenty of opportunities to shine in Houston.

The Rockets have several free agents at the forward/center positions, so they drafted the 6'9" forward.

The Rockets capitalized on their only draft pick of the night. Patterson fits Houston's needs and he was the best player available at his position.

Patterson will make an immediate impact for Houston, and Rockets fans will be content with their lone pick in the draft.

What the Rockets Did

Coming into the draft, the Rockets needed to add size to their front court. Yao Ming missed last season while rehabbing from reconstructive knee surgery.

Houston struggled in the post as a result, and the team made sure they drafted someone who can contribute in the paint.

The Rockets have already established their guards, but they needed more production from the forward position.

Patrick Patterson appears to be the man for the Rockets.

What I Would Have Done

I thought the Rockets did exactly what they were supposed to do.

They drafted based off needs and didn't jump to take the best player available, even though Patterson was both.

I would have done the same thing.

If I had one pick in the draft, as the Rockets did, I would have picked a player that I want on the floor instantly.

I'd also want a player with a good work ethic and one that has played on the big stage.

The Rockets did just that by selecting Patterson.

What Was the Rockets Worst Case Scenario?

The only way it would have been worse for them was if Houston traded away their only pick.

The Bobcats, Nuggets, and Cavaliers were the only teams with zero picks in the draft, and I'm sure the Rockets are glad they were not on that shortlist.

If the Rockets didn't have a draft pick this year, they would have had more questions entering next season.

The Rockets avoided giving up their only pick, and they came out on top.

What Would Have Been The Best Case Scenario?

Patterson probably wouldn't want to hear this, but the Rockets would have been better off if his Kentucky teammate DeMarcus Cousins were available at pick 14.

There aren't many big men in the nation better than Patterson, it just so happens that one of them was on his college team.

Besides Cousins, Houston would have been happy to take Derrick Favors, Greg Monroe, or Wesley Johnson.

But that didn't happen.

Patterson can run with any of the aforementioned forwards, but the guys that went ahead of him are a bit more versatile.

Houston definitely got a great prospect in Patterson.

But in Cousins, they would have gotten a player that can anchor the floor on both sides of the court for years to come.

My Overall Grade For the Rockets Draft Pick: B

This is simple. I'm giving the Rockets credit for drafting a player at the position they needed.

That may sound like a no-brainer, but I can't tell you how many teams fail to make the obvious move every year.

I think it would have been a bigger issue if the Rockets DIDN'T take Patterson.

I can't give them an A, but I do like the Rockets pick.