Rockets Season Preview: Will Fred VanVleet be More Valuable as Veteran Leader?

After signing with the Houston Rockets as a free agent, filling in the void as the primary veteran leader will be Fred VanVleet's most significant role during the 2023-24 season.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets' most significant off-season acquisition came by landing Fred VanVleet in July. 

He signed a three-year max contract worth $128.5 million. The addition of VanVleet improves Houston's play at the guard position. He will take the helm as the Rockets' starting point guard.

But before playing a minute during the 2023-24 season, the Rockets have already begun reaping the benefits of signing VanVleet.

His on-court experience as a seven-year veteran is enough to help the Rockets lay the groundwork for a successful start to phase II of their rebuilding project. But VanVleet's locker room presence for a young team will be more prominent.

Shortly after signing with the Rockets, VanVleet wasted no time getting acquainted with his new teammates, headlined by Jalen Green. The 29-year-old forward will help the Rockets reset a culture only general manager Rafael Stone has defended since the end of last season.

John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports, Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) shoots over Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso. 

"I am willing to fight with anyone who will say that our culture, on this team, this year, was challenged," Stone said. "It’s been if not the best team I’ve ever been around, certainly one of the top two or three, and I’ve been in the NBA since 2005." 

VanVleet began his career with the Toronto Raptors in 2016 after going undrafted. He became an All-Star in 2022. But his most significant role came in 2019 when he helped the Raptors win their first and only NBA championship.

The 6-foot-0 guard has averaged 14.6 points on 40.2 percent shooting from the field, 5.3 assists and 1.3 steals across 417 career games. 

He helped Toronto sweep the Rockets during their two-game regular season series in 2022-23. He averaged 32.0 points on .458/.444/.889 shooting splits.

VanVleet was the Rockets' top target on the open market, and their desire for the veteran guard ceased the possibility of a reunion with James Harden, who is currently seeking a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers. 

“I think it was time for a change of scenery,” VanVleet said in July. “Just really excited about being with a new group and trying to lead these guys as best I can."