Even in the aftermath three road losses last week, the Rockets remain one of the NBA’s feel-good stories of the 2023-24 season to date. Coming off three straight years at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, Houston (8-9) continues to play consistently competitive basketball under new head coach Ime Udoka.
Beyond Udoka, one of the biggest reasons for Houston’s improvement was the offseason acquisition of Fred VanVleet as a free agent. The veteran guard is averaging 16.5 points (37.7% on 3-pointers), 9.1 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game while providing strong defense and leadership, and assists total ranks fourth in the NBA.
On Monday, VanVleet joined ESPN’s renowned league insider, Adrian Wojnarowski, on a fresh episode of The Woj Pod. Topics of discussion included VanVleet’s massive impact with the team; his Toronto departure; the changing face of team building in the NBA, the new in-season tournament; and much more.
Read on for select quotes and insights from VanVleet’s conversation with Wojnarowski, and listen to the complete episode below.
Fred VanVleet on Houston’s revamped culture
Fred VanVleet on the @wojespn pod said he was surprised by how receptive, eager and hungry the young #Rockets were when he came here.
"The culture has already changed," said VanVleet. "And it's going to continue to change." pic.twitter.com/QIAXTEUIK8
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) December 4, 2023
Fred VanVleet on Ime Udoka’s leadership
Fred VanVleet describes Ime Udoka and his leadership style.
"He's going to build you up. He's going to put you in a position to be successful. He studies. He's great in the film room. He's great on the court. He's a great teacher. He's a great leader." pic.twitter.com/2BLtsXx3Tz
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) December 4, 2023
Fred VanVleet on the NBA’s in-season tourney
Fred VanVleet on leaving Toronto
Fred VanVleet on leaving the Raptors for the Rockets:
“It was just a time where it's like, 'Okay, it's starting to go around Scottie [Barnes]… my value there wasn't probably as great as it was in Houston.”
(via @wojespn, h/t @ClutchPoints) pic.twitter.com/pBJpBl0IAw
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 4, 2023
Fred VanVleet on 2023 free agency
Fred VanVleet on his final meeting with the #Raptors before departing for Houston:“I was so uncertain about making a change, but that meeting kind of sealed it for me. You can’t hide energy… everybody understood what was about to happen.” https://t.co/hv1ZqqrOO9 pic.twitter.com/hAgEcYOZvS
— Adam Laskaris (@adam_la2karis) December 4, 2023
Can Rockets make the 2023-24 playoffs?
#Rockets PG Fred VanVleet on young rockets making the next step to being playoff caliber team:
"We're right there." pic.twitter.com/8MtPhe8Cef— Chris Gorman (@GormanChristoph) December 4, 2023
Fred VanVleet on loyalty
Good @wojespn episode with Fred VanVleet
Spoke on FVV's loyalty. Played for small AAU team, never left for bigger name.
Woj said HOF college coach tried to get involved after Wichita verbal, never considered it. Went to WSU, never left for bigger namehttps://t.co/KMktmk6ZH3
— SkinsHoops86 (@SkinsHoops86) December 4, 2023
