Fred VanVleet talks about leaving the Raptors, first season in Houston

Fred VanVleet was the Rockets’ 2023 free agent acquisition as the franchise saw a need to add an established floor general who could help change the culture and establish a defensive identity.

Not to mention VanVleet’s big-league experience and veteran presence, which new head coach Ime Udoka has prioritized for the young Rockets ballclub. The Toronto Raptors didn’t want to lose their leader, but the Rockets made a gargantuan offer that proved too difficult to match (three years – $128.5 million).

This weekend, VanVleet spoke with Fox 39’s Scott Leber in Rockford, Illinois, where he is originally from, and explained his decision to join the Rockets and leave the Raptors.

“I think you just have to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves, and it was perfect timing. I’m kind of transitioning into a veteran leadership role and using my years in Toronto and my experience to help a young team and kind of develop these guys.

VanVleet went on to explain how the season went and how much he enjoyed his first year in Houston.

“It was fun. It was really fun… It was probably the most fun I’ve had in a long time. Let’s get back to basics and enjoy the little moments. Once you win a championship, you’re kind of spoiled and jaded, and you kind of forget how much fun it was to develop to that point, so actually it was back to square one, learning.

The 2019 NBA champion had a career year across the board, averaging 17.4 points, 8.1 assists (7th in the league), 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 41.6% from the field and 38.7 percent from three, while ranking seventh in assists. -turnover figures.

The Rockets took a big step forward in the Western Conference, posting a 41-41 record, nearly doubling their 22 win total from the previous season. VanVleet’s contract only has one additional guaranteed season, as the 2025-26 season has a team option.

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