Houston Rockets veterans are happy to be here

Youth. If you don't have it, you miss it. At the same time, it's relative. Someone in their 30s is likely to feel old at times. They should talk to someone in their 80s.

Youth is a blessing and a curse. When you're young, you have more energy. In all likelihood, you're relatively incompetent. If you don't believe us, ask an NBA team in the early stages of a rebuild.

They'll likely lose a lot of games without veterans. The Houston Rockets knew that heading into last summer. They signed some key veterans and made drastic improvements as a result. We can safely assume that the Rockets don't regret bringing Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks on board.

It seems that the feeling is mutual.

Houston Rockets veterans happy to be in Houston

Recently, the Rockets completed their exit interviews. Fred VanVleet certainly sounded happy to be with the team.

"I just felt empowered and honored that I was the guy who was thought of to help lead this ship in the right direction"

- Fred VanVleet

That's exactly what you want to hear. The Rockets have been tanking for a few seasons. Their organizational reputation has taken a hit. Rest assured that the rest of the league will take note of VanVleet's satisfaction in Houston.

He wasn't the only veteran to express similar sentiments.

"I felt like it was the right choice to be around this young core, be around Ime, be around Houston itself"

- Dillon Brooks

The Rockets missed the playoffs. There is still plenty to celebrate about the 2023-24 season. The veterans seem to agree.

Should the Rockets be happy with them in turn?

Houston Rockets veterans have already made an impact

VanVleet has been a slam dunk of an acquisition.

Sure, his average annual salary is high. VanVleet is on a two-year deal with a team option for a third year. His deal affords the Rockets financial flexibility.

He's also proven himself to be worth the money. VanVleet had one of the best assist-to-turnover ratios of any high-volume passer this season. VanVleet also sets a tone on the defensive end. Rockets fans should be thanking their lucky stars that he's in the fold.

Brooks? That's a different story. We'd be hypocritical to deny we've questioned his place on this team.

Still, he does deserve some credit. Brooks sets a tone. He's a lunchpale veteran who sets an example for this team's exciting young core. We hope he can improve his shooting efficiency next season, but still:

He's taught the kids a lot.