An anonymous member of the Houston Rockets told NBA writer Keith Smith of Spotrac that the franchise views Fred VanVleet as a great “organizer.” The Rockets think VanVleet is going to enhance Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr. in a big way.
“Fred is going to be so great for us as an organizer,” the anonymous member of the Rockets said. “He’ll enhance Jalen, Jabari and Kevin in a big way. Some think Fred and Dillon (Brooks) are going to take reps away from the kids, but we don’t see it that way. They are going to help those guys grow up quicker than they would have otherwise. Same with Jeff Green. We’re excited about getting them in the gym with the young guys.”
VanVleet signed a three-year, $130 million contract with the Rockets on the first day of free agency. The guard averaged 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists last season for the Raptors. He shot 39.3% from the floor, 34.2% from beyond the arc and 89.8% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets Updates
The Rockets won only 22 games last season. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2020. New head coach Ime Udoka wants to establish a winning culture in Houston and adding VanVleet will help that cause since the guard is a proven winner who can score and facilitate at a high level.
VanVleet knows many people think the Rockets overpaid to get him, which is why he’s motivated to prove his doubters wrong.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets Updates
“They don’t want me to be anybody but myself,” VanVleet said. “And I know people are crazy about the number, but the league is growing every year and that number won’t be that number in a few years. So I know it’s a shock factor with the narrative that I have around me as an undrafted guy, but I’m going to work every day to make sure I prove every penny.”
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