What skill asset impress you the most from my dude Fred?

I appreciate his ability to get 8 assists per game while being able to play off the ball. He can let Sengun and Green eat, then set them up later when the team needs a steady, experienced hand. Some players that are way more talented than FVV never learn to play off ball.

 

His leadership. Exactly what we were waiting for on the court as well as off the court.

 

Fred VanVleet is a true professional. I hope he retires a Rocket.

 

I love that he is (one of) the adult in the room at all times. Never too high or too low, always picking his spots, and consistently bringing energy on the defensive end. Straight dawg.

 

Totally fair and agree. I'm just hoping he rubs off on some of the young guys and maybe a guy Amen becomes the new FVV but with more athleticism.

 

I think that's accurate. Defense isn't just about making a stop or getting a turnover - any time you can disrupt "normal" you have the potential to give yourself a competitive advantage. I see it all the time with guys being guarded by Brooks or Tate - they don't get as cleanly into their action. Maybe it's a little more effort, maybe it takes a little more time, maybe the ball gets poked and so they can't turn the corner as easily - but every extra step you force the offense to take, every few seconds spent chasing a poked ball loose or forcing a guy to delay the handoff effectively decreases the shot clock for the offense and puts the defense at an advantage and THAT is a huge difference between last year and this year.

 

He plays off ball really well, dawg defense, iq, shows up in the 4th quarter, doesn't degrade teammates.

 

I am the first to admit that I was totally wrong about FVV, I thought he'd be decent for sure but nothing like what he has been doing these games.
He has really been a great all round fit and I have been very impressed by his playmaking skills and that he is well aware of putting his teammates in great situations while also himself being able to play off ball.

 

His floor generalship.