Can VanVleet excel in Udoka’s switching defense

FVV is great as an off ball defender, puts pressure on and good at steals. Should be fine.

 

He is a smart defender for his size.

I am happier and happier about the signing.

Sengun and van Vleet = Jokic and Murray.

And we still have Tari, Jalen, Jabari, Amen, Whitmore, TyTy...and maybe even Garuba and Martin...and maybe even Brook Lopez.

We will be a contender under Udoka. Not only a playoff team. A contender. If not this coming season, then the season after that.

 

It’s like arguing if we should have a traditional PG or not. Even with a non traditional offense like the Suns will have, that’s a question with Devin Booker too. It’s a question with CP3 and the Warriors too.

I’m not worried about FVV and his defensive liabilities because we are so far away from worrying about post season margins to advance in a 7 game series. FVV is here to provide stability on and off the court and maybe win some more regular season games. I won’t feel the least bit disappointed if we are in the playoffs and FVV is on the bench because of defensive schemes. If we get there with this lot, the FVV contract worked.

 

My guess - absent other player additions - Rockets go from 29th in defense to mid 20s, just by virtue of slightly higher effort rather than scheme or Vanvleet.

 

One thing in my mind is he’ll be better for our defense than Harden would. Watching Harden on defense in Philly agaisnt Boston ensured in my mind that I wasn’t with him coming back to play freedom ball and still be noncommittal on defensive rotations.

 

VanVleet has done well when switched on to bigger perimeter players. He's a lot like a younger CP3 in that way. A small guard with good hands but strong enough to not be pushed around easily.

But, I don't think Udoka ever intended to make switching defense the base plan with the Rockets. It doesn't really match our current roster (Green/Sengun) or our free agent targets (Lopez). You don't go after a guy like Brook Lopez, one of the best rim protectors in the league and make him switch out on guards the whole game. You want him patrolling the paint. And, we don't have guards like Harden and Gordon anymore that you're ok with switching on bigs. FVV at 6' is probably the strongest of the bunch.

 

That’s why we need a new big. FVV can only do so much. Hopefully it’ll get addressed today

 

Udoka hardly invented switching defense.

 

You grow with what you have and I guess he is better used in Pick and Roll Defense and flat out pestering other guards.

Maybe pretend to be Drake and rap a tad.

 

FVV is a tough dude, and he likes to disrupt the transition. Top 10 in NBA in STL%.
FVV/Eason/Whitmore would be a highly disruptive perimeter lineup

 

I am interested

Rocket River