130 million in 3 years has picked up the treasure, and the truth about the Rockets becoming stronger is out!
The Rockets lost to the Hawks at home, although they lost the game, however, the performance of the Rockets team was still very strong, the starting five all scored double-doubles, and Jabari Smith Jr. broke 34 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist and 4 blocks, of which the points and blocks were career highs, losing this game, the Rockets record came to 13-12, ranking 9th in the West, but considering that they only won 20 games in the 21-22 and 22-23 seasons, it is clear that the current record can indeed satisfy the fans.
In the offseason, the biggest change for the Rockets is the introduction of two players, one is Raptors guard core VanVleet, and the other is Grizzlies defensive titan Dillon Brooks.
Against the Hawks, VanVleet played 44 minutes, 10 of 20 shots, 3 of 7 three-pointers, 9 of 9 free throws, and scored a season-high 32 points, plus 15 assists, 4 rebounds and a steal, this is not the first time VanVleet has had such a high assist, the last game against the Cavaliers against the Rockets, VanVleet scored 27 points and 17 assists, and got at least 25 points and 15 assists in two consecutive games, and only one player in the history of the Rockets has done it, that is, Harden in 16 years, Harden has been to the Rockets for four years, and although he has had a peak since then, he has never broken this record, and VanVleet came to the Rockets and played more than 20 games to match Harden, which can also show his strength.
Most of the Rockets roster are young players, they have gone through three seasons of ups and downs, through the draft, they have accumulated a large number of high-quality and talented players, Jalen Green, Shen Jing, Jabari Smith Jr., Tate, are all players that the Rockets can cultivate, but young players also need a veteran to lead, in the offseason, the Rockets signed VanVleet with a maximum salary of $130 million for three years, just to let him lead this young team to hit higher goals.
Obviously, VanVleet did it, this season, he played 22 games for the Rockets, averaging 38.4 minutes per game, 17.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 9.5 assists and 1.2 steals, shooting 39% from the field and 38% from three-point range. Judging from the situation of leading the team, Van Vleet's signing this time is completely worth the money.
With VanVleet, Dillon's defense, veteran Jeff Green, and Udoka's tough tactical arrangement, the Rockets are where they are today. They have had some ups and downs recently, but I am confident that they will make a comeback and prove themselves again in the West in the next games.