Rockets’ playoff collapse proved Fred VanVleet’s value without him playing

Fred VanVleet did not play a single minute for the Houston Rockets in the postseason. Yet somehow, his value to this team has never been more obvious.

Houston’s playoff collapse was not caused by one missing player. Kevin Durant’s injuries mattered. The lack of shooting mattered. The team’s youth and inexperience mattered. But as the Rockets’ offense unraveled under postseason pressure, it became clear how badly they missed VanVleet’s intangibles.

VanVleet is not Houston’s best player. He may not even be part of the team’s future beyond the next few seasons. But the Rockets are still a team filled with young players without extensive playoff experience. They needed a true on-court leader and organizer. For all of Durant’s greatness, he is not that. Even if Durant had been healthy, Houston still needed VanVleet’s leadership.

The playoffs are different

Houston got valuable playoff experience last year against the Warriors. It was a hard-fought series where NBA fans at large marveled at Houston’s long-term potential, even in a losing effort.

This year’s first-round series loss against the Lakers felt much different. Houston’s flaws were exposed, and NBA fans at large are now calling for the front office to break up this young core. The NBA moves fast.

VanVleet’s on-court benefits have been well documented. The former All-Star would have given Houston some much-needed three-point shooting, ball-handling, and offensive shot creation. But VanVleet’s value is greater than just those contributions.

Having VanVleet, someone with championship pedigree who is not afraid to take charge and be vocal with his teammates, would have changed the complexion of this series. Instead, Houston relied too heavily on Alperen Sengun, an awesome young player, but not a point guard and not someone who should have been asked to organize everything under playoff pressure.

The Rockets should learn from this

Houston should not overreact to losing in the first round for the second consecutive season. They do not need to trade their best young players in a seismic deal. They do not need to abandon the long-term vision that made this team so exciting in the first place. But they do need more leadership.

VanVleet will be back next year, and his return should help stabilize both the locker room and the offense. He is a champion, a former All-Star, and a willing leader. His young teammates will listen when he speaks. No one, especially not the Rockets’ front office, should underrate the importance of that.

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