Why Rockets Signed Fred VanVleet: 'He's Won Everywhere!'
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HOUSTON — The last time Fred VanVleet was in the Bayou City, he led the Toronto Raptors to a 117-111 victory over the Houston Rockets on Feb. 3. VanVleet scored a game-high 32 points on 10 of 22 shooting, 5 of 11 from behind the arc, five rebounds and four assists in the win.
VanVleet's performance helped the struggling Raptors win their 24th victory, while the Rockets try to position themselves in the running for Victor Wembanyama with their 39th loss.
The Rockets missed an opportunity to select Wembanyama by falling to the No. 4 pick during the draft lottery in May. But failing to land the French phenom did not change Houston's plans to revamp their roster ahead of phase II of their rebuilding project.
Winning will be a major priority at the start of the 2023-24 campaign, which made VanVleet their biggest acquisition of the summer.
"I’m not sure I ever saw Fred as a max player talent-wise, but for an organization looking for leadership, it makes sense to bring in Fred," Raptors beat reporter Aaron Rose said. "He’s won everywhere he’s gone dating back to high school. That might seem like a small thing, but it takes pressure off his teammates and younger guys."
VanVleet agreed to the max three-year, $130 million deal to join the Rockets during Day 1 of free agency. The signing ended VanVleet's seven-year tenure with the Raptors.
He was the Rockets' top target on the open market, and their desire for the 6-0 guard ceased the possibility of a reunion with James Harden, who is currently seeking a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers.
VanVleet averaged 14.6 points on 40.2 percent shooting from the field, 5.3 assists and 1.3 steals across 417 career games with the Raptors.
His contributions in 2019 helped Toronto win its first NBA championship. His on-court experience is enough to lay the groundwork for a successful start to phase II. But, VanVleet's locker room presence for a young and rebuilding team is more prominent.
Rose said the Raptors faced several issues within the locker room last season. Whenever VanVleet saw problems, he stepped in as a leader to try and end the turmoil.
"I think people will be surprised he got more money than Kyrie [Irving]," Rose said. "Fred is not as talented as Kyrie. But if you’re asking me who I’d want on my team. It’s not even close. Give me Fred VanVleet."
The addition of VanVleet improves Houston's play at the guard position. He will likely take the helm as the Rockets' starting floor general. But VanVleet has established himself as a versatile guard who can play on or off the ball.
VanVleet showcased how he could work pick-and-rolls and pick-and-pops with teammates with the Raptors, which will improve the play of several players' offensive production in Houston.
VanVleet's leadership and ability to make players better was a significant part of helping the Raptors reach the pinnacle of their success as a franchise.
After he became the first undrafted player to sign a max contract, VanVleet will be required to replicate his success with the Rockets. If his performance inside the Toyota Center is an indication of his future, the Rockets will be in a good position with VanVleet running the show in Houston.
You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24
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