Heading into the last offseason, the Houston Rockets made a strategic move to bolster their team with veteran leadership. This led to the signings of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks to lucrative long-term contracts. Despite missing out on Brook Lopez, the Rockets saw a significant improvement in their performance, finishing the season with 41 wins, a notable increase from the previous season's 22 wins.
VanVleet, in particular, signed a substantial three-year, $128.54 million contract, earning $40.81 million in the 2023-2024 season with a projected increase to $42.85 million next season. The team holds a crucial option for the final year of VanVleet's contract in 2025-2026, where he could potentially earn $44.89 million at the age of 31.
Throughout the season, VanVleet played a pivotal role in the Rockets' success, appearing in 73 games and averaging 17.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. Despite shooting 41.6% from the field, his 38.7% accuracy from beyond the arc was commendable. VanVleet's presence on the court significantly impacted the team's performance, with the Rockets outscoring opponents by 5.9 points per 100 possessions when he was playing.
VanVleet's chemistry with rising star center Alperen Sengun was evident from the start, forming a formidable duo in the pick and roll. Their collaboration resulted in a positive net rating of +3.22 when on the court together, showcasing their offensive prowess. The importance of VanVleet's playmaking abilities was highlighted by the team's struggles when Sengun played without him.
Looking ahead, the Rockets face a crucial decision regarding VanVleet's future with the emergence of young talent like Amen Thompson. As the fourth overall pick in the previous draft, Thompson showed promise as a versatile player but still has room for growth, especially in ball-handling and shooting. The team's decision on VanVleet's contract option will likely hinge on Thompson's development and readiness to take over the point guard position.
The dynamic between VanVleet and Thompson presents an intriguing storyline for the Rockets as they navigate the transition towards a younger core. VanVleet's impact on the team's success and his role in nurturing young talents like Thompson will be key factors in shaping the Rockets' future.
