3 important Raptors storylines to watch early in 2023 season
By Mike Luciano
2. Fred VanVleet’s play in Houston
VanVleet may have brought an end to his tenure in Toronto after signing a three-year max contract with the Houston Rockets, but fans will still be watching his tenure in Texas with great interest. Fans will finally get to see once and for all how much VanVleet contributed to their offensive struggles last season.
While VanVleet brought a ton to the table as a defender, leader, and shooter, many took issue with his poor shot selection and propensity to slow the game down with the ball in his hands. The Raptors signed Dennis Schroder to be less of a ball-stopper and more of a connector who can get buckets when required.
Will Fred VanVleet star after leaving the Toronto Raptors?
VanVleet could thrive as the veteran leader on a young Rockets team eyeing a very quick resurgence, but this fit also could go sideways quite fast. Jalen Green, Jabari Smith, and Amen Thompson all need touches and shots, and VanVleet is most effective with the ball in his hands.
While some ripped Ujiri and Toronto for losing VanVleet for nothing in free agency, his hesitancy to match Houston’s offer could look like a stroke of minor genius if VanVleet is unable to mesh with his new teammates. Even with all the good things he can do, that first 6-18 shooting night in Houston will set off alarms.