Fred VanVleet was an amazing addition this season, but how amazing?
Fred VanVleet came aboard the Houston Rockets with a massive three-year, $128 million contract that many questioned whether or not would be worth it for a guy who was very good, but not quite a superstar.
But as the Rockets were looking to change the culture from a rudderless collection of talent into a formidable group coming into their own being led by a few a veterans, VanVleet proved to be worth every penny of that deal this past season.
One of the primary catalysts in Houston having the biggest leap in wins of the season all the way up to a .500 squad, VanVleet’s steady hand stabilized the Rockets and allowed their youngsters to grow at a fast pace. VanVleet’s ability to the run the offense in addition to being the team’s leader gave players like Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith and Amen Thompson all the space to grow without as much pressure.
VanVleet finished the season with averages of 17.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game. And while his scoring totals were his lowest since 2019, his assist numbers were the highest of his career. His three-point percentage of 38.7 percent was the third highest of his career and his number from the floor — 41.9 percent — was the second highest of his career.
But VanVleet wasn’t brought here to light up the scoreboard — even though he did do that occasionally, like when he scored 34 and 42 respectively in two late-season contests with the Utah Jazz and 37 against the Orlando Magic. He was brought aboard to help teach a group coming off of some questionable Stephen Silas years learn how to handle the NBA, and in that regard, VanVleet’s campaign was a sucess.
Even VanVleet’s biggest concern coming in — durability — was essentially a non-issue, as he played in 73 total games this past season, the second most of his career.
So what happens next? The 30-year-old VanVleet has two more years left on his contract, with the final year just a team option, meaning the Rockets are able to get out of his huge deal after this coming season should they so choose. But will they choose?
VanVleet had such a positive effect on the roster that at least right now, it would seem silly to not keep him around. He’ll be 32 at the end of the deal, and while that might put him a little past his prime, it’s certainly not ancient by today’s NBA standards, especially for a guy whose game doesn’t really rely on incredible athleticism.
The key to VanVleet’s future is likely the development of Amen Thompson. After a slow start, Thompson’s season took a striking turn for the better, and by year’s end, he looked much like the high-ceiling guy we all expected. But did he look like a point guard? Many would say he looked more like a wing. He averaged just 2.6 assists per game, and his ball handling looked a little more rudimentary than expected at times, so it remains to be seen whether or not he develops into a full-time point guard or is more adept at off-guard or forward.
Houston also has a number three overall draft pick this season and is said to be extremely active in discussing potential trade deals right now. Options exist for point guard of the future if they decide Thompson fits better at another position.
But for now, let’s enjoy that the Rockets have a real point guard at the helm in VanVleet, and one that’s already made an impact on the future development of this team and is primed to do the same in the 2024-2025 season.