As part of Monday’s media day to kick off 2023-24 Rockets training camp, point guard Fred VanVleet met with media members in Houston for the first time since signing with the organization in July’s 2023 NBA free agency window.
“The goal is to get this franchise back to where it’s supposed to be and where it has been,” VanVleet said. “There’s a rich tradition here.”
Buy Rockets Tickets“It felt like (the Rockets) were supposed to be in the finals and win a championship a few years ago,” VanVleet told reporters. “Ultimately, the goal is to get us back to the playoffs and competitive, building toward winning the championship.”
Here’s a roundup of what we heard from VanVleet at Monday’s media day from Toyota Center. Training camp will officially begin Tuesday at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
“Coach is the biggest reason I’m here,” he said. “I’ve always been an extension of the coach on the floor. All of this (media day) stuff is fun and pictures are nice, but I’m excited to get to work.”
Fred VanVleet at 2023 Rockets media day
Every Fred VanVleet answer is interesting, genuine, revealing. Obvious why he is valued as a leader.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) October 2, 2023
“There’s no reason for me to be to good to come play in Houston”
Love this answer from Fred VanVleet pic.twitter.com/oN0gVCWbA7
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) October 2, 2023
Fred Vanvleet’s full quote on Jalen Green:
“Explosive talent, top talent, pick #2 for a reason.. Natural scorer, max competitor, plays hard.. He’s got that dog in him and I’ve always admired his game from afar.
“I’m excited to help him take that next step.
It’s time for him… https://t.co/1Ka8luVkUv pic.twitter.com/QHCjiCpKbs
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) October 2, 2023
It was definitely a different type of energy at Rockets media day.
Sensed a more mature and confident team with the arrival of the new vets, Fred VanVleet, Jeff Green and even Jock Landale.
Excited to see how they help the young guys develop and contribute to winning
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) October 2, 2023
new beginnings 🎲 pic.twitter.com/YsmACo8zKe
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) October 2, 2023
NBA: "It's a testament to the combination of work ethic and character."
New Rockets PG Fred VanVleet reflects on being undrafted and grinding to become one of the league's premier guards 💪#NBAMediaDay pic.twitter.com/kzXhone9Wn
— Zhaire Maledon (@ZhaireMaledon) October 2, 2023
Alperen Sengun on Fred VanVleet teaching him: "Fred loves sharing the ball. He's a really good point guard. He's helping me a lot on offense and defense."
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) October 2, 2023
"I shoot straight and I cuss a lot" – @FredVanVleet on The Matt Thomas show on his leadership approach with the young Houston Rockets
— SportsTalk 790 (@SportsTalk790) October 2, 2023
“He’s got that dog in him” 😤
From one G League alum to another, Fred VanVleet on the explosive work ethic of @gleagueignite alum Jalen Green! #NBAMediaDay 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/5MN2IiCsK6
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) October 2, 2023
"I'm here to help them grow. Help them develop on who they want to be in this league.” – @FredVanVleet
💻 » https://t.co/5EfHISKoNn pic.twitter.com/CwBD0nUpGl
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) October 2, 2023
Jalen Green on Fred VanVleet: “He’s like big bro, already.” https://t.co/Hf4CtyyXEr
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) October 2, 2023
Tari Eason on Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks: "Fred, instant leader. He took on that leadership role really well. Dillon took on a defensive-minded approach, showed me the blueprints of success. I hope to see myself as one of the best defenders in the league one day."
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) October 2, 2023
Incredibly underrated how much of a lift Houston’s young players will get just by the presence of Fred VanVleet on a daily basis — especially offensively.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) October 2, 2023
I asked Fred VanVleet about why he was willing to do what so many All-Star level players aren't, which is sign with a rebuilding team without a co-star.
He had a very detailed and thoughtful response, but what stood out to me is "no ego" and projecting out into the future
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) October 2, 2023
Fred VanVleet came off as incredibly genuine and thoughtful in his answers, continuously highlighting his role here as a leader and teaching the young guys.
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) October 2, 2023
Fred VanVleet said he was looking for a "fresh start" and he's excited to be in Houston: "It's a lot warmer than Toronto, that's for sure. I'm enjoying that."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) October 2, 2023
Fred VanVleet on defense: "A lot of defense is just being in the right spots. We've got some incredible athletes on this team. Once you're able to get ahead of the play you're able to anticipate and make plays. Just take pride in playing defense."
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) October 2, 2023
Newest @HoustonRockets Fred VanVleet talks about getting the Rockets back to a championship level.
@abc13houston #MediaDay pic.twitter.com/KSbjFPqMbT
— Joe Gleason (@joeagleason) October 2, 2023
Fred VanVleet says he would "love" to be part of Team USA at the '24 Olympics. VanVleet says there was some interest from USAB this summer but he was unable to make the commitment.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) October 2, 2023
Fred VanVleet: “Coach is the biggest reason I’m here. I’ve always been an extension of the coach on the floor. All of this [Media Day] stuff is fun and pictures are nice, but I’m excited to get to work.”
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) October 2, 2023
Fred VanVleet says Ime Udoka is the biggest reason he's here in Houston.
"I'm looking forward to getting to work and starting to build."
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) October 2, 2023
Fred VanVleet says the goal is to get the Houston #Rockets back to where they once were years ago. "There is a rich tradition here. A lot of great players have come through here."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) October 2, 2023
Ime Udoka says a lot of players overlook Fred VanVleet because of his stature but "he's one of the toughest, most competitive guys on the defensive end."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) October 2, 2023
Fred VanVleet: "I'm here to help. To help (my teammates) grow, help them develop and learn who they want to be in this league. It's totally up to them. My professionalism and work ethic… that will be contagious."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) October 2, 2023
new faces 🤩 pic.twitter.com/WXj6b8dfl9
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) October 2, 2023
