Rafael Stone lauds Fred VanVleet’s ability to play off ball, defend for Rockets

For months leading up to 2023 free agency, a potential reunion between the Rockets and former franchise icon James Harden was viewed as inevitable by many people around the NBA. Yet, in the final weeks, Houston settled on Toronto’s Fred VanVleet (who the Rockets ultimately landed) as its top target at point guard.

On the record, the Rockets won’t compare and contrast the two players, since Harden is under contract with another team. But reading between the lines, it’s clear where they saw key differences.

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In a new interview with Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, general manager Rafael Stone said of VanVleet:

I think he’s a little unique in that he obviously is a very good offensive player to help get the team organized, make sure everybody is where they’re supposed to be. But he’s also someone that has really flourished off the ball, is a really talented 3-point shooter, and someone who has been truly excellent defensively. With Fred, we feel like we’re really lucky we got somebody that really has a bunch of strengths and no weaknesses.

How Rockets added players with ‘an edge’ in free agency period. Stone on the deals and players coming in and going out. https://t.co/cYkkkUxOEH

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) July 8, 2023

Relative to Harden, VanVleet clearly isn’t as dynamic of a scorer or playmaker with the ball in his hands.

Yet, for a young and rebuilding group like the Rockets, there’s also the development of young prospects to consider. For example, if newly drafted rookie Amen Thompson proves ready to take the reins at point guard in the next year or two, it’s more likely that VanVleet could still provide when he’s playing off the ball.

Similarly, on the defensive end, a 34-year-old Harden is likely to be a liability in everything but defending the post. That may not be an optimal fit with the vision of new coach Ime Udoka, who had a reputation in Boston for using many of his guards to pressure the ball.

Harden’s weaknesses on defense might also have been a tough fit in the starting lineup alongside young center Alperen Sengun, who has his own defensive concerns. That pairing didn’t seem optimal because both Harden and Sengun are best able to maximize their defensive value by defending in the low post, but most teams in 2023 aren’t utilizing two post players on the court at the same time.

So, ultimately, the Rockets seem to have decided that VanVleet was a cleaner fit. He certainly isn’t as dynamic as Harden in many ways, but it could be an easier blend with the rest of Houston’s roster.