The Rockets hold a $44,886,930 club option on Fred VanVleet‘s contract for next season. The veteran guard hasn’t done himself any favors in the playoff series against Golden State. In the first three games, VanVleet made only 26.8% of his shots (11-of-41) and 20.7% of his 3-pointers (6-of-29) while averaging 41 minutes, 11.3 points and four assists per game, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle points out. Game 4 is tonight.
“There’s times and places where I have to play better, I have to make shots at a higher clip,” VanVleet said. “I have to find rhythm and find ways to be more aggressive. But obviously, if I’m getting two on the ball at 28, 30 feet, I feel like I’ve done my job for that possession. If I can draw a mismatch and I can draw a best defender, there’s opportunity for other guys, I feel like I’ve done my job on that possession. So, it’s different ways to attack. I have to be better, 1,000%, and if I make two more shots we probably win Game 1. If I make a couple more (Saturday), we probably get out of here with a win, so that’s totally on me, for sure.”
We have more on the Rockets:
- The Game 3 loss to Golden State, in which the Warriors survived the absence of Jimmy Butler, showed that the Rockets probably need an offensive star to be true contenders, Sam Amick of The Athletic writes. Houston, which as held to 85 points in Game 1, was limited to 93 points in Game 3. If the Rockets decide to go shopping for a roster upgrade, Jalen Green — who signed a three-year, $106MM extension in October — is widely expected to be part of the deal, according to Amick.
- They need to do a better job of holding down the Warriors’ role players, Kelly Iko of The Athletic notes. Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II combined for 33 points on 5-for-14 3-point attempts. The Rockets also need Alperen Şengun to deliver in clutch moments. The center shot 7-for-18 from the field and made just one of six free throw attempts in Game 3.
- Backup big Jock Landale, who has yet to play in the series, is listed as probable, Lerner tweets. Landale has been recovering from a knee contusion.
The rockets have so many inefficient offensive players(and Van Fleet) is the worst of the bunch.
Auto correct sucks, VanVleet
41-19 with VanVleet on the floor and 11-11 without. There’s something to be said about a veteran PG that knows how to run an offense, doesn’t turn the ball over and while not a knock down shooter can still make enough to keep the defense honest.
Giannis or KD? Rockets have by far the best package to offer for either. Only Sengun and Amen Thompson are untouchable.
KD would be a lot cheaper (37 years old, poor availability, and 1 year remaining on his contract), and seems like a better fit given the Rockets’ need for outside shooting. (I can’t see non-shooters Amen Thompson and Giannis playing together.)
Rockets have so many assets and optionality. KD for Jalen Green, Tari Eason (after signing rookie extension), and an unprotected 1RP and some 2RPs get this done.
Do not need Durant or Giannis. Sorry KD too old. If Houston gets either I will find another team to watch. I suspect Green, Van Vleet could be gone. But for KD or Giannis no thanks
^ ah yes, the long-vaunted “If my fave team gets good players I will refuse to watch them” guy, a rare weirdo of the highest order! Hahahaha
Pal. You are weird. This is the weirdest take ever. Something happened to your mind and sent you astray. Now you are literally saying “If Giannis comes to my team, I’m not even going to support them anymore”. Wow, dude. Reassess like, every aspect of your life that led you here. Weirdo.
There’s still plenty of series to play, but the Rockets look like that young team that gets their first taste of playoff experience, fails, but is better for it in the long run.
I don’t like chasing KD this offseason, but with their assets and young players, Houston should be able to make enticing offers for any number of star players.
Decline option. Greta VanFleet won a ring because of Kawaii.
Udoka is a regular season coach. In a 7 game playoff series he is outmatched, Even by Kerr who Davey hates.