The Nuggets are eager to find out if the Ruben Patterson workout produces the same results for Tracy McGrady as it did for Richard Hamilton.
Coach George Karl said Thursday he plans to stick his new swingman on the Rockets’ elite shooting guard as much as possible tonight when Denver plays at Houston. McGrady has been known as a Nuggets killer over the years, scoring 51 and 45 points in games against them.
A day removed from helping hold Hamilton to nine points over the final three quarters of Denver’s 98-87 win over the Detroit Pistons, Patterson said a second consecutive all-star assignment would not bother him.
“I love the challenge, man. I don’t really fear any man,” he said, adding that McGrady is an excellent player. “I’m just going to go out there and make him work for each and every shot.”
Talk like that is music to Karl’s ears.
The coach confessed that at times his team has been “too cool,” “too soft” and “too casual” and that Patterson and Denver’s other newest acquisition, Reggie Evans, can serve as antidotes to such passivity.
Karl could only smile when asked about the first-quarter scuffle between Patterson and Hamilton that resulted in each drawing a technical foul. A Patterson elbow to Hamilton’s chest sent the Pistons guard to the floor. After the players started yapping at each other, Kenyon Martin pulled Patterson away and the tension dissipated.
“The game was a physical game and they are a physical team,” Karl said. “I thought the guys did a good job of standing up to their presence. Ruben gives us an angry player. Yeah, I like those guys.”
Part of Patterson’s strategy as a designated pest is to wear out star players when they defend him – especially those not strong enough defensively to draw Denver’s top scoring threat, Carmelo Anthony. Patterson said aggressively posting up those players serves the dual purpose of draining them at the defensive end and giving Anthony a break from taking the punishment down low.
“They can beat him up a little bit,” Anthony said. “Then I come in and get the seconds.”
After an 0-for-5 start Wednesday, Patterson calmed down and provided 13 points, a reminder that even as a defensive specialist he can’t be ignored on the other end.
His confidence has backfired in the past. During one playoff series while in Portland, he referred to himself as a “Kobe-stopper” when playing the Lakers. That nickname has been trotted out every time the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant has a big game against him.
But Patterson also can count plenty of games like the one he played Wednesday. He hopes to duplicate it tonight.
“We need some toughness,” he said. “I’m the type of guy, and Kenyon’s also that way, who won’t back down from nobody.”
Nuggets to sign Eisley
The Nuggets could have 12th-year guard Howard Eisley in the lineup tonight. The team plans to sign the free agent to a 10-day contract.
“I feel good about the situation,” Eisley said. “They’ve made a couple of deals I think that’s helped improve their team.”
Eisley averaged 0.7 points in 13 games with the Los Angeles Clippers, who released him in January. For his career, he has averaged 6.6 points and made 35.1 percent of his 3-point attempts.
“He fills a dual role of a third point guard and a perimeter shooter who’s had experience in two NBA Finals and as much playoff experience as anyone on the team,” said agent Dan Fegan, who now represents five Nuggets.
The Nuggets also considered picking up Wesley Person, Fred Hoiberg or Jon Barry, among others.
Adam Thompson can be reached at 303-820-5447 or athompson@denverpost.com.
