What to expect from Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet this season

Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet will enter his second year with the team, having signed a three-year, $128 million contract through 2023. The former All-Star averaged 17.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 8.1 assists for the Rockets last season, and after watching Houston steadily improve as they emerge from a rebuild, VanVleet will look to be a key catalyst in leading the Rockets to the playoffs.

VanVleet’s defensive prowess is also notable. He’s a tenacious defender on the ball, disrupting passing lanes and applying pressure, despite his 6’1″ frame. His quick hands allowed him to average 1.7 steals per game last season, allowing him to slide downfield to recover from players who drop the ball low. VanVleet has been able to compete not only with guards, but also with forwards.

Rockets fans can expect VanVleet to harass opposing guards, making life difficult for them and contributing to the team’s defensive efforts.

Offensively, VanVleet hasn’t had his best season in terms of points per game, but he’s no slouch. The former Toronto Raptors player averaged 17.4 points per game in the 2023-24 season, showing his versatility when it comes to scoring. His three-point shooting (6.1 attempts per game with an accuracy of 39.5%) and his ability to attack the basket make him a threat from all areas of the floor. With Houston not making any major changes to impact VanVleet’s offensive production, we can expect the same to happen when it comes to scoring.

The ability to run the court is also there. VanVleet averaged 8.1 assists last season, which ranked seventh in the NBA. He played a crucial role in developing Houston’s top young players, facilitating an offense with an abundance of scoring wings.

VanVleet won’t be alone in leading the Rockets. He has a plethora of options in Ime Udoka’s offense, including Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. and more. The Rockets went 41-41 last season, showing steady improvement over the past few years. This season, expect them to be in a playoff spot, led by two-way star VanVleet.

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