Fred VanVleet throws a block party in Rockford; discusses the Houston Rockets

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — We see Fred VanVleet on our TVs and streaming devices playing basketball during the NBA season, but at least one weekend in June we can count on seeing VanVleet in person when he will be back home in Rockford. provide considerable assistance to our community. It’s this weekend.

Late Friday afternoon and Friday evening, VanVleet hosted a block party on East State Street downtown. There were inflatable games for children and a temporary basketball court was set up on the street. There were food trucks, drinks and music, as well as face painting for the kids.

Saturday and Sunday, VanVleet will host its youth basketball camp at the UW-Health Sports Factory downtown. VanVleet told me he loves seeing the kids having fun with all the activities.

“You know, I feel obligated or responsible to kind of come back and put on these events and show the community some love. It’s always a blessing, and I’m so grateful when I show my love in return.

VanVleet also spent a few minutes with me to discuss his first season with the Houston Rockets.

It was about a year ago at this time, when VanVleet was a free agent about to make one of the biggest decisions of his life, re-sign with the Raptors or sign elsewhere, but with whom?
He opted for Houston and signed a three-year mega-deal. He couldn’t be happier with this decision now.

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

Have they already developed. This young Rockets core, which includes Jalen Green, Jabari Smith and Amen Thompson, improved by 19 wins from the previous season. The presence of VanVleet has a lot to do with it. He said it was stimulating to be with these young players.

“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 growing up to that point, so basically it was back to square one departure, while learning.

The Rockets were looking for a playoff spot, but fell five wins short. There has been speculation that the Rockets could make another big splash in free agency this summer in an attempt to make the playoffs and make them a major threat in the West. VanVleet says another major signing of our addition via trade could happen.

“We have the ammunition for it, so we’ll see, but I accept whatever they decide to do. It is obvious that victory is at the forefront. I am confident that the owners and management will make the right decisions.

VanVleet has eight NBA seasons under his belt. After averaging 17.4 points last season and finishing seventh in the NBA in assists (8.1) and steals (1.4), will he continue to try to add more to his game ?

“There are always things to improve. Obviously this year it was a completely different role and style of play than I’ve played the last seven years, so I have a year of experience with this group, so now I kind of know how training and what to do. get ready to come to this next season. I think it will be a big year for me coming up.