The perception that he hasn't won anything since Kawhi left? He hasn't won anything. When it gets tough, he blames the refs? Hasn't changed. People disliked Harden for his passive aggression, FVV is a much worse version but just as passive aggressive. This guy is just an older Jalen, has hot games and then disappears, okay he is a better Jalen Green. He can run a basic Offense.
Yes, that is an excellent example of confirmation bias. If you remove evidence like winning a championship, FVV has never won a championship. FVV will never win a championship without a star on the team. He has the skills to support a star, though.
There's more than that. Unlike Jalen, FVV is actually a good defensive player. He doesn't turn the ball over. He hits clutch free throws. FVV is nothing like Jalen. He's a player who is successful despite his limitations. Jalen is an amazing athlete but a really mediocre NBA player.
The thing with Jalen is you can get rid of him but the over reliance on FVV paired with not matching with the young timeline. I doubt Udoka can let go of him easily, it is wasted time, while he is a decent player he isn't offering a new angle or new wrinkles to the old Offense. I hope they find new ways but signing him in the 1st place reeks of desperation and giving him 40 million.
NBA teams that want to compete for a championship for the next couple years would definitely take FVV over Jalen Green. The rest of your post is reasonable. I think it would be best though to bring back FVV on a reasonable deal. I'd like to see his minutes cut somewhat and allow Reed to play at least 15 mpg. Reed was terrible as a rookie but we need to know what we have there. I'd like to see Amen get more opportunities to create as well. I think we agree on some things. I just think Fred is still needed here for a couple more years. As long as he'll return on a reasonable deal, I think FVV has a place here.
If they don't bring FVV back, they'll need to bring in another competent vet PG for at least another season. Otherwise, we will take a step back. You don't always take two steps forward after you take a step back. Sometimes you just fall on your ass.
Sure, yes, they have to give more effort on the trading market. Keep in mind the Rockets did not have major injuries in the last 2 years other than Eason's but Tari was not a regular starter. We'll see where the roster stands with Jalen and Fred after those injuries.
I don’t mind Fred returning on a smaller deal and reduced role. I completely agree with you if we miss out on KD. My whole thing is if it comes to salary matching for KD who I’d give up first. My off season wet dream though would be Fred for KD and convince Ty Jerome to be the stabilizer off our bench on a deal.
