Recent Rockets addition expected to 'enhance' young core

Fred VanVleet is the Houston Rockets' marquee addition of the offseason. The veteran guard joined Ime Udoka's new-look team by signing a three-year $128 million deal. Adding VanVleet to their roster signals a shift in mentality by the Rockets front office, who have been patiently rebuilding their roster via the draft since James Harden departed for the Brooklyn Nets in 2020. 

VanVleet joined Houston as a free agent, allowing them to improve their talent at the guard position without losing talent from elsewhere on their roster. Houston is confident that VanVleet's presence on the roster will enhance the development of their younger players, as reported by Spotrac's Keith Smith. 

“Fred [VanVleet] is going to be so great for us as an organizer," An anonymous source close to the team told Smith. "He’ll enhance Jalen [Green], Jabari [Smith] and Kevin [Porter Jr.] in a big way. Some think Fred and Dillon [Brooks] are going to take reps away from the kids, but we don’t see it that way. They are going to help those guys grow up quicker than they would have otherwise. Same with Jeff Green. We’re excited about getting them in the gym with the young guys.” 

Houston followed up their addition of VanVleet by signing Patty Mills, who is close with Udoka from their time in San Antonio. The Rockets then utilized their draft picks to select Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, who both impressed during Las Vegas Summer League. Nevertheless, it would appear VanVleet has been acquired to be the Rockets' primary option on both sides of the floor. 

VanVleet occupied a similar role for the Toronto Raptors last season. As such, Udoka and Houston's front office can be confident the veteran guard is capable of carrying the team for stretches during games. However, the more important aspect will be ensuring Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. both buy into the new game plan. As alienating your two best young players is a surefire way to undo all the hard work that's been done over the past few years. 

Fortunately, Udoka is known to be an excellent communicator, and he will need to put those skills to good use as soon as training camp gets underway.