The topic of Fred VanVleet\u2019s value can be a polarizing one. The counting stats aren’t exactly eye-popping. Far from it, actually.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Houston Rockets floor general averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.7 rebounds just last season. The shooting splits were even less impressive –37.8 percent from the floor, 34.5 percent from three, 81 percent from the line, 51.5 percent true shooting.<\/p>\n
That level of production doesn’t seem to align with a player who earned north of $40 million in 2024-25. The year before, he was one of the Rockets’ best players, averaging 17.4 points, 8.1 assists, 41.6 percent from the floor (which is still below average), 38.7 percent from deep, and 86 percent from the foul line.<\/p>\n
But the Rockets didn’t make the playoffs (or the play-in tournament), so being a team’s best player (or one of) when the team is a non-contender still doesn’t seem to warrant a hefty price tag north of $40 million.<\/p>\n
When the Rockets did finally make the playoffs, however, VanVleet showed up and showed out, going toe-to-toe with Golden State Warriors sharpshooter and superstar Stephen Curry –easily one of the game’s all-time greatest players.<\/p>\n
VanVleet averaged 18.7 points, while shooting 43.5 percent from deep (on a gaudy 8.8 attempts), and 63.2 percent true shooting –better than anyone on the Warriors.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Curry averaged 24 points, 39.2 percent from deep, and 63 percent true shooting.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Off the court, VanVleet\u2019s true value is exhibited, as he’s a consummate professional in the locker room, is constantly putting work in with his teammates, and is always motivating and encouraging his fellow comrades.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Leadership is the word.<\/p>\n