Rockets have their answer to offseason Fred VanVleet decision

The Houston Rockets have come a long way.

Tanking can wear on a fan base. The relentless losing feels like it won't end. There may be light at the end of the tunnel, but it's not visible until the tanking ends.

Fred VanVleet has been one of the Rockets' key providers of that light. When the Rockets signed him and Dillon Brooks two seasons ago, they signalled they were ready to win games. Now, they're tied with the Warriors at one game apiece in the first round of the playoffs.

VanVleet hasn't had much to do with whatever success they've found in the postseason so far.

Rockets not getting much from veteran point guard

Through two games, VanVleet is averaging 8.5 points on 22.2% shooting from the field and 15.0% shooting from long range.

That is bleak.

It's also two games. The Rockets shouldn't overreact to a two-game sample size. VanVleet could go nuclear in Game 3. Yet, the Rockets should not strictly look at two games. They should look at his complete body of work.

In 2024-25, VanVleet averaged 14.1 points per game with a True Shooting % (TS%) of 51.5%. Yes, he remains a capable game manager. VanVleet's 5.6 assists to just 1.5 turnovers per game make him a useful player.

Is he still a starting-caliber NBA point guard?

Rockets need a more dynamic playmaker

Perhaps. VanVleet may still be worth a starting gig alongside some of the NBA's best players.

The Rockets are in a weird place. They're one of the five(ish) best teams in the NBA, but they don't have a top-20ish player. They win games with their grit, physicality, and sheer effort.

VanVleet has been a critical component in establishing those traits. Now, they're established. The Rockets won't lose their edge so long as Ime Udoka is at the helm.

Will they improve their halfcourt offense? If so, that feels more likely to hinge on a roster move than Udoka's leadership. That's the point here:

The Rockets need a more dynamic playmaker than VanVleet to take the next step as title contenders.

It could be an internal promotion. Jalen Green has looked like a primary ball-handler in the halfcourt lately - perhaps that's the solution. Alternatively, there are still hopes that Amen Thompson can man the 1, and Reed Sheppard could be due for a sophomore explosion.

It could be an outside hire. The Rockets could decline VanVleet's team option, let him walk, and find a star guard on the trade market. This team has a plethora of options, but starting VanVleet next year should not be one of them.

Keeping him on the roster is something to explore. If the Rockets can work out a team-friendly deal with VanVleet, he could be a key reserve in 2025-26. Still, starting him would be a mistake, and paying him starter money would be as well:

No matter how much he's contributed to this organization.