The Rockets hope Patrick Fertitta (r) can help relate with potential free agent signees GETTY IMAGES
Rockets Owner TILMAN FERTITTA's son, PATRICK, has become a "fixture in decision-making" for the team, as the 24-year-old is in the "middle of all forms of Rockets decision-making, from upgrades" to Toyota Center to who will play in it, according to Jonathan Feigen of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. Patrick Fertitta said his father is a "very busy person," as he "operates two other massive companies" outside of the Rockets in Golden Nugget Casinos and Texas-based restaurant and entertainment company Landry's.Patrick Fertitta: "That allows me to have a presence in certain areas within the organization that he's not able to always focus on. Being able to be his eyes and ears and a resource to him that he trusts and he knows is loyal and is thinking about not only what is best for the organization but what is best for our family is a void I’ve been able to fill." Rockets CEO TAD BROWN said, "Patrick is there representing Tilman and the family, and he is given authority up to a certain point." Rockets GM DARYL MOREY said Patrick Fertitta is "smart, knows basketball" and has a "great mind." Morey: "Really surprising for someone his age. I don't even understand it." Feigen noted the Rockets "hope that the combination of Tilman and Patrick Fertitta will offer free agents access to Tilman Fertitta's business acumen with a chance to relate to someone in ownership that is younger than the players the Rockets recruit" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 6/29).
