Wednesday Rockets DreamLinks

After Patrick Patterson's promising rookie season, everyone and their mother was ready to trade Luis Scola to pave the way for Patterson to start at power forward. In a shortened sophomore season, well, he stunk.

No longer was Patrick Patterson the confident power forward who spaced the floor well with his jumper and sent shots flying into the stands. Instead, we saw a timid Patterson, one who struggled to finish at the rim, one who didn't have his feet set, a completely different man from the one we'd seen a year before.

As is so often the case in today's reactionary society, many began to write Patterson off. Ignoring the fact that Patterson rushed back from ankle surgery in a rushed season with no training camp, Patterson has been thrown into every imaginary Rockets' trade on the internet. To some, Patterson will never regain his rookie form, and he's doomed to a bench role for the rest of his career.

Well, guess what? Patterson is your likely starting power forward. And with no expectations on him to succeed, expect Patterson to more than hold his own. A Patterson-Asik pairing in the front court may struggle offensively with a lack of post scoring, but Patterson's outside shooting will allow Asik space in the middle to gobble up rebounds and score on put-backs.

If Patterson's ankle is back to 100%, there is no reason why he cannot replicate his rookie year numbers. Given how poorly Luis Scola played last year, that very well may be an upgrade at the power forward spot.

Jump for your links!

Rockets Stuff

Ultimate Rockets " Rockets Get Asik As Bulls Don’t Match Offer Sheet
It's official, writes Jonathan Feigen.

Rockets Getting C Omer Asik - Yahoo! Sports
The AP's take on the Asik acquisition. This is a bit longer form, and definitely worth a read.

Ultimate Rockets " Charles Barkley Says Jeremy Lin One Of ‘Greatest Stories I’ve Seen’
Anytime Charles Barkley says something positive about the Rockets, it's newsworthy.

Trade Talk

Sheridan Hoops Has Learned That The Magic May Wait As Long As Next Summer To Deal Dwight Howard
This link is not meant to endorse Mark Heisler's article, but rather draw your attention to the transparent posturing in the Dwightmare. On the same day this news broke, Daryl Morey surprisingly turned to twitter to rave about how thrilled he is with the roster.

Magic In Due Diligence Mode As Howard Saga Takes Latest Turn | Pro Basketball News
A cynical look at the posturing going on right now in Orlando.

Around the League

Retro Jerseys Will Return To The ’90s Next Season | Ball Don't Lie - Yahoo! Sports
Look for a new Rockets retro uniform next year, writes Eric Freeman.

Fauxclusive! LeBron's E-mail Hacked! - The Triangle Blog - Grantland
This is one of the funniest things I've ever seen on the internet. Bravo, Justin Halpern.

Loss Of Omer Asik Another Reason Bulls Likely To Take Step Back In The East | The Point Forward
Zach Lowe writes that while the Rockets may have overpaid for Asik, it was the right move.

Reminder: Writer Roundtable Should Be A Thing - The Dream Shake
GIVE US YOUR QUESTIONS! AND YOUR POWER FORWARDS!

As always, feel free to weigh in in the comment section with your reaction or links of your own.