
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 29, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks (24) and guard Ja Morant (12) celebrate after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves after game six of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Apr 29, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks (24) and guard Ja Morant (12) celebrate after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves after game six of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
After years of despair, the Houston Rockets have finally integrated a winning mindset. With coach Ime Udoka by its side, the franchise has finally signed experienced stars.
With bucketloads of cap space, the Rockets had plenty of room to spare in their new acquisitions. Adding Dillon Brooks on a four-year, $80 million deal signaled a huge change. But to top that, a three-year contract worth $130 million have confirmed their intentions of winning. But what are the thoughts of their All-Star player on joining a rebuilding squad?
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$130M man dissects his rebuilding plan
For those still in the dark, the man is none other than 29-year-old Fred VanVleet. During an episode of the Pivot Podcast, the Houston Rockets guard was asked about his approach to the new team.
While replying, the #23 brought up his last year?s experience with the Toronto Raptors, which had been a disastrous season. His learnings for this season? Sole focus on himself.?

via Getty
Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors runs with the ball during the Toronto Raptors vs Phoenix Sun NBA regular season game at Scotiabank Arena on February 21, 2020 in Toronto, Canada (Toronto Raptors won 118-101) (Photo by Anatoliy Cherkasov/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“I am just gonna be myself, that?s the best thing I learned about myself this year. Part of the reason why we never got to do it during the years was because I had a fu**** up year. Personally, one of my worst seasons, and as a team, not a great season for our standards in Toronto,” he said.?
Discussing the pitfall of being in such a position, the scintillating scorer went on, “More often than not you get pulled in certain directions, you tryna please these people over here and please these people. You just tryna serve everybody else, instead of just standing tall and being yourself,? VanVleet said.
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Why did Fred VanVleet choose the Houston Rockets?
In the same segment, the point guard stated his reason for joining the budding Rockets squad. “It?s a great fit, it is a breath of fresh air for me because part of the recruiting process was we just want you to come here and be yourself. And that alone is gonna help raise some of these guys? level, the professionalism, the way you work every day, leadin?, helpin? the team, so I am excited about it,? he claimed.
VanVleet’s work ethic and journey as an undrafted player make him an ideal role model. For the Rockets, this fit can also set an example for young and talented players such as Jabari Smith and Amen Thompson. His game style will help the team that only had the young Jalen Green as a regular shot-creator.?
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Do you think this move will work out in the long run? Do share in the comments below.
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