2010 NBA Draft Grade: Selecting Patrick Patterson Gives Houston Rockets an A

General Manager Darryl Morey has done it once again.

The Houston Rockets used the 14th pick in the 2010 NBA Draft to select Kentucky junior forward Patrick Patterson, a perfect selection in my opinion.

Patterson is one of six Kentucky players chosen (one of five in the first round) in the 2010 NBA Draft. But of all six former Wildcats, Patterson is the eldest of the draftees, a junior amongst a handful of mainly freshmen. Experience counts for something, and thankfully Morey and Houston saw that.

Patterson may not bring about immediate postseason success just yet, but he’s absolutely a step in the right direction.

With question marks surrounding the immediate return of Yao Ming, along with the loss of Carl Landry to Sacramento via the Kevin Martin trade, Patterson’s selection becomes even more imperative.

There's no doubt Patterson can make an immediate impact on this team; last season he averaged 14.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.

Hopefully, Houston will actually keep and sign their selection in this year’s draft. Personally, I believe Patterson will be a great addition to the Rockets, but only time will tell. If the Rockets keep Patterson, fans and coaches alike will get their first glimpse of him fairly soon.

Can he help push Houston to postseason play? Can he be that sixth man the Rockets so greatly desire? Can he possibly fill Carl Landry's shoes?

We’ll all know those answers soon enough. All I can say for now is this: Houston landed a grade A athlete when they selected Patterson with the No. 14 pick on Thursday night.

Denton Ramsey may be reached via email at [e-mail]