Rockets' Vets 'Invaluable to Our Group', Says Head Coach Ime Udoka

The Houston Rockets have a fairly young roster, so adding veteran player this offseason was big for the team.

The Houston Rockets has already had a better season than they had last year. A lot of this is due to the players that the team added in the offseason.

Most notable among the team's acquisitions was seventh year forward Dillon Brooks and eighth-year point guard Fred VanVleet. Head coach Ime Udoka talked more about the impact that they have in a recent interview with Rockets sideline reporter Vanessa Richardson.

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet drives past Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith / Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

"They've been invaluable to our group. Not only as players, but they're extensions of us coaches on the floor," Udoka said. "Everything from the day-to-day advice they give off the court, to on the court with work ethic, professionalism, winning mentality, and what it takes to be a better team. 

"Those guys have done that from day one... some do it more vocally and some more hands-on. It's the little things that they do that the players see every day and try to build habits off of. We've got some good vets to show by example."

Pistons' Cunningham OUT 7-10 Days, Will Miss Rockets Game

Brooks and VanVleet are averaging 14 and 18 points per game, respectively. But the impact that they have on the rest of the young Rockets' roster goes much farther than their numbers on the court, and they could be the key to the team taking a step forward.

Brooks, VanVleet, and the rest of the Rockets will be back in action on Friday against the struggling Detroit Pistons without their star player, Cade Cunningham. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. from Little Caesars Arena.