In an incredibly busy day in NBA Free agency, former Raptors Guard Fred Van Vleet signed with the Houston Rockets. Signing a 3-year, $130 million deal, VanVleet will be the number one option on a Houston team trying to make some noise this season.
Fred Van Vleet Gets Major Bag From the Houston Rockets
Background
Fred was a terrific player at Witchita State, where he averaged 10.2 points and 4.5 assists while shooting 38.6% from three for his career. Furthermore, Van Vleet is an NBA Champion with the Raptors and is coming off another solid season in Toronto. Fred averaged 19.3, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists. He was also an All-Star in the 2021-2022 season. Fred has started strong in his NBA career and looks to continue it in Houston.
What Van Vleet Brings the Rockets?
Ball Control
Fred is a terrific decision-maker, averaging 7.2 assists and only two turnovers this past season. Houston is a young team and was second in the league in turnovers per game at 16.2. Therefore, Van Vleet corrects that deficiency in Houston because he takes great care of the basketball. He had the ball in his hands a lot, so his ball control will move Houston closer to relevancy in the NBA.
Veteran Presence
Again, Houston is a very young team that lacks veteran leadership. While Van Vleet is not an old NBA player, he brings experience that helps these younger players grow. He also brings winning experience, as he made the playoffs in three of the last five seasons in Toronto. Therefore, the Rockets’ core will have someone who knows how to win.
Also, he will be good for Amen Thompson. He can teach Amen how to take care of the basketball, and how to lead the team from the point guard position. Therefore, Amen can be the point guard of the future and get advice on how to win from VanVleet.
Shot Maker
Although Fred possesses important skills for the Rockets’ team, at his best, Van Vleet is a shot-maker. He averaged 17 or more points in the last four seasons. He shoots the three at a good percentage, can get to the basket, makes free throws, and has a midrange game to his skill set. Fred brings a scoring punch to the Rockets team and is a guy who can make shots in big moments. Therefore, the Rockets got an excellent offensive addition to their squad.
Last Word
Fred Van Vleet is an excellent pickup in free agency. He brings leadership, scoring, ball control, and toughness into Houston. Van Vleet helps the Rockets find success this season. Houston still has work to do to fill out the rest of their roster, but Van Vleet is a step in the right direction.
