NBA – Why did the Rockets bet on Fred VanVleet and not James Harden this summer? For Ime Udoka, it’s just a matter of complementarity, especially with Jalen Green.
If James Harden finds himself stuck in Philadelphia, it is largely because the 2018 MVP did not have a real fallback option this summer, his plan B having decided to bet on someone else.
With their large recruitment envelope, the Rockets have therefore focused on Dillon Brooks and especially Fred VanVleetrather than bringing back their former superstar. A choice made by Ime Udoka, the new coach, who assures that it is purely sporting. Because Houston’s priority is to grow Jalen Green.
“I have nothing against James”assures the coach to ESPN. « But Fred just sticks better. I trained James in Brooklyn. He’s one of the smartest players I’ve ever been around. The words ‘Ime doesn’t want James’ never came out of my mouth. Instead, I said, ‘Let’s see what the best option is.’ If we want Jalen and the kids to take the next step, they have to have the ball. As for saying I don’t want James, that’s never been the case. It was a question of complementarity.”
Even if Ime Udoka therefore denies having vetoed the return of James Harden to Texas, it is clear that he showed his preference for the profile of Fred VanVleet, more likely to be effective without the ball and to agree to let Jalen Green initiate the Rockets’ attack in particular.
“It’s up to him to put all the things he’s been working on into place.” We see games where he’s in place, whether it’s on-ball defense, weak-side defense, pick-and-roll reads.”
“It’s an important year for him”recalls Rafael Stone, GM of the Rockets, about the back. “It’s up to him to put all the things he’s been working on into place.” We see games where he’s in place, whether it’s on-ball defense, weak-side defense, reads on the pick-and-roll. And then there are other matches where he is too lazy
. He’s a walking scorer. But it’s all a question of details.”
Details and desire. Because Ime Udoka does not want to just give the ball to Jalen Green, on whom the team relies heavily because he is undoubtedly the only player on the squad with superstar potential.
Provided that he makes the efforts, both in attack and defense, to be more effective. “We also want to use him a lot without the ball”continue Making Udoka. “We want him to use screens and cut to the rim. I don’t know if it’s natural for him, but we’ve had glimpses of it.”
As for defense, it is a condition sine qua non for Houston’s new coach.
“Defense is first and foremost a question of mentality. He will be challenged more. » Especially during video sessions. « If you’re the weak link, I’ll point the finger at you. I will challenge you in front of the whole team. Everyone is on an equal footing in this regard. »
Jalen Green Percentage Rebounds Season Team GM Min Shots 3pts LF Off Def Tot Pd Fte Int Bp Ct Pts 2021-22 HOU 67 32 42.6 34.3 79.7 0.5 2.9 3.4 2.6 1.5 0.7 2.0 0.3 17.3 2022-23 HOU 76 34 41.6 33.8 78.6 0.6 3.2 3.7 3.7 1.7 0.8 2.6 0.2 22.1 Total 143 33 42.0 34.0 79.0 0.5 3.0 3.6 3.2 1.6 0.7 2.3 0.3 19.9
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
2023-10-05 14:50:45
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