Through his first seven years in the league, veteran forward Patrick Patterson has developed into a dependable player.

His transformation as a pro includes the use of the 3-point shot as one of his primary assets in his offensive repertoire. According to Tyler Palmateer of The Norman Transcript, it is something that he added to his skill set due to former Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale. who urged him to make it a key part of his individual game.

“The only thing I want you to do is shoot 3s,” McHale told him.

Patterson was a little miffed.

“It really did (surprise me),” Patterson said. “I’m thinking McHale just wants to work with me on my post game, but he tells me he just wants me shooting 3's.

In his first two seasons with the Rockets, he missed all five of his attempts from beyond the arc. After his talk with McHale, he has become a 36.8 percent career shooter from distance, including 41.1 percent in the 2013-14 season, his first year with the Toronto Raptors.

This adjustment in his game has helped him remain a valuable asset on the offensive end of the floor, especially with the style of play evolving toward the 3-point shot and spreading the floor.

The 28-year-old is set to join the Oklahoma City Thunder next season on a three-year, $16.3 million deal.