(Somewhat) surprise guests of the Top 3 of the Western Conference after a month of regular season, the Rockets benefit from a magnificent pool of young talents, whose collective is taking shape thanks to the grip of Ime Udoka on the bench, but also the contribution of solid veterans in the locker room. Like last night against the Blazers with 28 points from Dillon Brooks, relayed by a very discreet Fred VanVleet: 0 out of 2 on shots.
Dillon Brooks under surveillance
For his second season in Texas, the former Grizzlies winger produced almost the same numbers as last season in his 30 minutes of play. Defensive intensity and 3-point shooting (6 out of 8 last night). While trying to avoid overflows…
“About Dillon, I have to admit that I wasn't really a fan until we were teammates,” confides FVV. “But I respected him because I know what it’s like to play hard every night. This is what I base my playing philosophy on too. I noticed that he was also one of those who gave everything in every match. Now that we're teammates, I've been able to see what it's like when he turns off the machine and lives his life off the field. »
NBA champion with the Raptors, VanVleet is responsible for keeping him on the straight and narrow. At least he tries. “I also try to calm him down and temper his heat attacks. [sur le terrain]but I remember a match [de présaison, le premier l’an passé, ndlr] where he actually hit a guy in games. I defended him to the referee but the action was shown on the Jumbotron and I couldn't believe it. It was a story that began in FIBA competition, against [Daniel] Theis and Germany I believe [de fait, voir ci-dessous, ndlr]. »
Adams, the reincarnated caveman
Another veteran whose role is important: Steven Adams. After seven seasons of linear progression within the Thunder version of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, and stints at the Pelicans and the Grizzlies, the “Kiwi” is slowly recovering from a white season, with playing time now very reduced taking over from Alperen Sengun, a potential starter with a future in Houston.
“Steven is the ultimate safe guy,” thus assures Fred VanVleet in Draymond Green's podcast. “ He's a guy who really plays for the team. He is ready to do anything for the team. He calms the locker room with his presence. He's super strong. Right now, he is on a carnivore diet where he eats almost nothing but meat. He eats sirloin steaks weighing more than a kilo for lunch. Without support, without anything else! He's a real caveman. He’s clearly a special guy. But he's super strong, very intelligent too. He sets great screens, he's just a great teammate, unselfish as can be, a good veteran to have around. »
FVV room Green for his famous kick
On another subject, just as controversial, the leader of the Rockets defended his new teammate, recalling the unforgettable kick of Draymond Green in the games of the New Zealand pivot during the Western Conference final in 2016 The exchange between the two men is rather tasty, here it is in full:
Draymond Green: “Steven Adams and I don’t really fight. I think there is mutual respect between us. »
Fred VanVleet: “Wait, didn’t you kick him in the nuts? »
Green: “Look, first of all, I was trying to sell the blame. I was looking for the whistle and I got it. »
VanVleet: “Still, you hit my guy in the games man, stop your a********. »
Green: “No, I was really trying to get the whistle, you know what I mean. »
VanVleet: “They changed the rule because of you anyway. »
Green: “Yes, they changed it for me. But I get kicked all the time, and the rule isn't enforced when it happens. They only give simple faults. But I know there is a rule, created because of me. »
