Fred VanVleet was one of the biggest winners in free agency, landing a max contract to join the Rockets as their new on-court leader, writes Tim MacMahon of ESPN. The veteran point guard said Houston officials have assured him that he won’t have to change anything about his game.
“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.”
VanVleet worked out this week with his new backcourt partner, Jalen Green, and he’s in Las Vegas to watch more of his young teammates in Summer League action. He’s looking forward to a fresh start after spending his first seven NBA seasons with the Raptors.
“I owed my whole NBA career to them, but I think it was just time for a change of scenery,” VanVleet said. “I’m just really excited about being with a new group and trying to lead these guys the best I can.”
There’s more on the Rockets:
- General manager Rafael Stone was looking for players with “an edge” when he went shopping with more than $60MM in cap space, per Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle. Houston was among the NBA’s worst defensive teams during its three years of rebuilding, so Stone was determined to find players who are willing to compete on that end of the court. In addition to VanVleet, he landed Jeff Green, Jock Landale and Aaron Holiday in free agency, along with Dillon Brooks in a five-team sign-and-trade deal that was finalized Saturday night. “First, they’re really good basketball players who have won a lot of games and not by accident,” Stone said. “We really wanted to add veteran players who still fit our timeline and knew how to win. And we think we accomplished that.”
- In an interview with Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Brooks said he’s looking forward to bringing his influence to a young team that needs to learn how to win. “I can’t wait to work with Tari (Eason),” Brooks said. “I feel like he can be a great player in this NBA — especially a great defender — and grow his game, his athleticism and everything.”
- Amen Thompson‘s Summer League debut provided more evidence that the Rockets made the right pick at No. 4, Iko adds in a separate story. Before leaving with an ankle injury, the 6’7″ point guard produced 16 points, four rebounds, five assists, four blocks and three steals in 28 minutes and showed he knows how to attack a defense that’s daring him to shoot from the outside.
Not sure if Brooks is who you want “bringing his influence to a young team”.
Dillon Brooks agent/agency = GOAT
No kidding. Seemed like the narrative was that nobody wanted the guy. Next thing you know he is getting $86 million.
Rockets are going to look back on this off season like the Brooklyn Nets look back on so many failed attempts…
There’s no other way for the Rockets to move to except up. They’ve started already. For the first time, it looks like the Rockets and I are in total agreement. The Coach and the players they targeted and picked are wonderful. I’m looking forward to the season indeed.
Brooks is the fiery personality this passive young team needs. He will keep the young guys engaged and that in itself will improve this team. Yes they overpaid but that’s the premium you pay acquiring winning players and bringing them to a rebuilding situation. I’m sure there was an offer he was willing to take from a playoff team if Houston didn’t pony up. Bruce Brown got paid I’m sure for a similar reason.
A winning player? He was one of the least efficient players in the league. He was literally offering negative value compared to his peers.
I meant he came from a winning situation. Back to back playoff appearances. Yes he had a down year but they didn’t sign him to be a scorer. They signed him for his leadership and his defense. He was the best UFA perimeter defender and that’s why his cost was a premium. Thybulle was restricted and Portland matched his offer.
Well Jesus didn’t help Thompson…