He played in the NBA for the Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers.

During Patterson's freshman All-American 2007–08 season, he averaged 16.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 0.8 steals, while shooting 57% from the field.

[6] During Patterson's sophomore 2008–09 season, he averaged 17.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 0.6 steals, while shooting 60% from the field.

However, with the addition of freshman players John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins and Eric Bledsoe, Patterson was no longer required to be the main option for scoring and rebounding.

[11] With Luis Scola injured, Patterson had his first NBA start with the Rockets on March 14, 2011, scoring 2 points and grabbing 5 rebounds.

[12] After the Rockets used the amnesty clause to waive Scola, Patterson became the starting power forward for the 2012–13 season.

On February 20, 2013, Patterson was traded to the Sacramento Kings along with Toney Douglas and Cole Aldrich in exchange for Thomas Robinson, Francisco García and Tyler Honeycutt.

[13] On December 9, 2013, the Kings traded Patterson, along with Greivis Vásquez, John Salmons and Chuck Hayes to the Toronto Raptors for Rudy Gay, Quincy Acy and Aaron Gray.