According to Rockets.com beat writer Jason Friedman, Rockets first round pick Patrick Patterson will be called up from the Rio Grande Vipers of the NBDL on Sunday after playing two more games there.
Indeed, Patterson seized his opportunity with the Vipers and milked it for all its worth. The Kentucky product is averaging 17.3 points and 9.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game with the Vipers, essentially becoming the Al Horford of the Developmental League. He ranks 10th overall among all D-League players in efficiency with a 22.3 rating and is 2nd among forwards who have played a minimum of 5 games.
What’s more, Patterson appears to be gaining momentum every day as seen by his domination of New Mexico Wednesday night during a contest which saw him explode for 24 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocked shots – precisely the sort of interior ownership the Rockets wanted to see from their prized rookie.
No word yet on what kind of minutes he’ll receive or what kind of matchups he’ll be sent up against, but it’s nice to see that he was doing well down there.