What to expect from the Rockets veterans this upcoming season

On a youthful squad, where do the veterans fit in for Houston?

Veteran. A word used in the NBA to classify somebody who’s had at least seven years of service in the league. The Houston Rockets have four players who meet said criteria of being labeled a “veteran” in the NBA. The number is relatively low in comparison to other teams around the league, but not one to be concerned over.

The Rockets’ veterans such as Fred VanVleet, Jeff Green, and Dillon Brooks whom all played over 70 games last season, were each a very prominent role in the rotation. That is once again expected this season, along with the addition of Steven Adams to the mix. However, there is certainly questions about how much of that playing time will carry over for each player and if the impact will remain as strong from the veterans.

So as we look ahead, here’s what to expect from each veteran for the Houston Rockets this upcoming season.

Another productive Fred VanVleet season

Fred VanVleet is once again primed for a good season. Joining the Rockets last offseason on an illustrious three-year, $128 million dollar deal, VanVleet proved to be worth the high price during the season. Holding averages of 17.4 points, 8.1 assists, and shooting 38.7 percent from three, VanVleet’s impact on the team was felt all season long. What many called a questionable signing eventually became Houston’s most valuable as the season went on. Running the floor, initiating the offense, and staying healthy, Fred did everything that could’ve been asked of him last season.

However, this season is a new story. There’s more competition for the guards due to the addition of Reed Sheppard, bringing back Aaron Holiday, and guys like Amen Thompson and Jalen Green having an offseason of hopeful improvement. While a veteran and former All-Star in VanVleet won’t be bounced from the rotation, the possibility of losing the starting point guard role is increased from last season. The chances either of those happen barring injury are very slim, but in the NBA there is no certainty.

Nevertheless, Fred VanVleet is somebody who I believe will have a very similar season to last. Not being a player who relies on others to create for him is a factor in that, but also knowing VanVleet will always play with hustle and playmake for others as well. Exempting any injury or trade for Fred VanVleet next season, he will likely remain the Rockets starting point guard and have another high productive year on the court.

Dillon Brooks will succeed in his role

“Dillon the villain”. A nickname given to Dillon Brooks by the NBA world. The name is self-explanatory, Dillon Brooks is just simply not everybody’s favorite player. In fact, Brooks is somebody who, unless he’s on your team, you likely tend to dislike a tad more than others. This is exactly why the Rockets are grateful to have Brooks on the team. Both on and off the court, he brings a certain energy, a swag, or a reputation if you will, but it’s one that has grown to be beloved by the Rockets.

Brooks is more than someone who just gives you a few points and great defense every night. He’s doing that all while being your protective enforcer. Dillon Brooks was never asked to score 30 points a game for Houston, he was there to play a specific role; A three-and-D wing who could help build up the culture in Houston, and that’s what he did. The overall numbers for Brooks may have dropped, but it was to be expected due to the other talent on the team. Again, Brooks played his role, and he played it well as he helped lead Houston to a .500 record last season.

This upcoming season however, I don’t believe will look any different for Dillon Brooks — with one major caveat that he might be the most likely Rockets veteran to be traded. But whether he ends up starting or not, Brooks will still presumably hold the same role from last year. Brooks has embraced in his “villain” nickname, and the Rockets have the benefit of that for once again.

Steven Adams: No risk, all reward

Steven Adams missed all of last season with a right knee PCL injury that required surgery. Despite being injured, the Rockets went out to acquire Adams a week before the trade deadline last year to have him on the roster for this upcoming season. It’s hard to assume exactly how Adams will return from injury, or really anyone in general. But considering he’s always used more strength than athleticism in his game, Adams has a chance to provide Houston some much needed rebounding and interior post defense.

Again though, there’s no telling how Adams will return next season, or at what level. All we can hope for is the best meaning a backup center, great rebounder, and defensive stopper. If there’s none of that, at the minimum is a guaranteed locker room leader, and a guy who will bring toughness and grit on the court. There is zero risk with having Steven Adams on the team, but if everything goes well, the benefits from it could be extremely welcomed.

Jeff Green, the true veteran

Jeff Green’s tenure in the NBA is set to reach 18 seasons this upcoming year. That is far more than anyone else on the Rockets roster, and up there for one of the longest tenured players left in the NBA. There is zero reasons to not want “Uncle Jeff” on the team, and 100 reasons to be glad he is. Jeff Green played a surprising role last season for Houston, appearing in 78 games while playing multiple positions and putting up overall solid numbers.

While he likely won’t play in 78 games, Green will be able to play more at forward than center which is more fitting. I don’t expect to see Green extremely often, but wouldn’t find myself surprised should he come off the bench and play meaningful minutes here and there. Assuming his $9.6 million dollar contract isn’t traded or no injuries occur, Green is a great guy to have around. A seasoned veteran, a great leader, exceptional mentor, and still a good roleplayer, Green will have an impact next season in some form.

Conclusion

Yes, the veterans are still just as meaningful to the Rockets despite all the youth on the team. Guys like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks still have likelihoods to be starters come the beginning of the season, and Green and Adams each could very well be key bench pieces. So whether it’s in the locker room, on the court, or just in general, Houston’s veterans are crucial to the team’s success. Nothing beats out a team’s culture, and every veteran adds something to the Houston Rockets culture and mentality. For a young, youthful squad, the Rockets have the best possible veterans to fit in with what they’re aiming for.