Pat on the Back for the Rockets

The Rockets drafted Patrick Patterson with the 14th pick of the NBA Draft.

In a way, this draft was less exciting than last year. We knew the Rockets had a pick, they kept the pick, and that was that.

Last year the Rockets had no pick and ended up with three second round picks, one of whom became a solid contributor (Chase Budinger) and one of whom became a Viper three times (Jermaine Taylor).

With just one player drafted this year, what does that mean for the Vipers?

Tough to say at this point. It all depends what happens in free agency and the trade market. For now, all we really know is Patterson is eligible to become a Viper and the Rockets love to use the Vipers for development.

We really won't know until mid-November at the earliest. What kind of training camp will Patterson have? Will he get playing time? If so, will they be meaningful minutes? Will he play well? Will the Rockets be healthy?

Here's what we do know.

On Tuesday, October 5, Patterson, Taylor, Budinger, Mike Harris, Yao Ming and company will take on Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic at State Farm Arena. Tickets go on sale at 10:00 a.m.

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Speaking of the draft, I accurately predicted Latavious Williams would go to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kudos to the Miami Heat for having the foresight to draft and trade him.

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Great crowd at the WhiteWings game Thursday night at Harlingen Field. I heard a fan scream "Let's Go Vipers!"

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I'm watching Cheers right now and I just noticed a Boston University pennant in Sam Malone's office. That is simply awesome.