Feigen wrote, “At just 6-0, he does not offer the switching ability defensively that Rockets coach Ime Udoka used extensively with the Celtics.” I haven’t been able to find much on this, other than the Raptors have done well defensively against the Warriors, who often require a switching defense and what the previous competitive Rockets team was wholly committed to. I did read VanVleet did well against taller players (other than centers I would assume), but what is the basis for Feigen making such a bold statement? I did also read VanVleet does well in PnR and blowing up screens, so possibly able to prevent the switches in the first place.
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.
This is a video on Toronto’s ‘switch everything’ defense with VanVleet which I believe switches even more than the previous Rockets playoff teams designed to switch:
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.
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
