Rockets Media Figure: Udoka’s Tactics May Not Change, but VanVleet’s Return Will Completely Transform the Team’s Offense

In a recent episode of his podcast, Houston Rockets media figure Jackson Gatlin shared his thoughts on the team’s outlook for the new season. Gatlin believes the challenges facing Ime Udoka on offense are obvious, and he expects the team’s overall play to become smoother this season. However, this improvement in cohesion does not entirely depend on Udoka making major tactical adjustments. In fact, it also reflects that there are still some issues with his offensive approach. More importantly, Fred VanVleet is about to return to the court. VanVleet’s importance to the Rockets’ tactical system is undeniable and, in some ways, even difficult to overstate. During the period he missed last season due to injury, the team’s overall operation became severely disorganized.

Gatlin further pointed out that the Rockets now not only have VanVleet returning, but have also added Marcus Smart. These two experienced veterans understand how to organize offense, maintain proper positioning and spacing, and direct the defense during games. They are capable of communicating effectively on defense and have performed well when defending ball handlers. The addition of these two players will significantly change the Rockets’ offensive style.

VanVleet missed time last season due to injury, but during the 2024-25 regular season, he appeared in 60 games, averaging 35.2 minutes per game and recording 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks, along with 1.4 turnovers and 2.3 fouls per game. He shot 37.8 percent from the field, 34.5 percent from three-point range, and 81.0 percent from the free-throw line. In the playoffs, he appeared in 7 games, averaging 40.0 minutes per game while posting 18.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.3 blocks. His performance was particularly strong, with a 43.0 percent field-goal percentage, a 43.5 percent three-point percentage, and a perfect 100 percent free-throw percentage.