范弗里特在火箭重现猛龙时期的进攻难题

Fred VanVleet’s return to the court has coincided with a strong start for the Houston Rockets, who are 8-3. But some of the team’s offensive numbers are raising questions about whether the veteran guard’s role is limiting the development of younger players and reducing opportunities for star forward Kevin Durant.

Amen Thompson’s production has dipped from last season. He is averaging 14.9 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game, down from 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists. His field-goal percentage has also fallen below 50 per cent. Durant, meanwhile, is averaging 12.8 shots per game—only modestly more than Thompson’s 11.5, Jabari Smith Jr.’s 11.9 and VanVleet’s 10.9.

That distribution has drawn comparisons with VanVleet’s final season with the Toronto Raptors, when some fans and observers felt his ball-dominant style hindered the development of younger offensive players. Scottie Barnes was still growing into a larger role, while Pascal Siakam was an established All-Star and OG Anunoby had room to expand his offensive game. VanVleet finished second on the team in shots per game.

VanVleet remains a capable distributor, averaging 5.6 assists this season, but his scoring efficiency is a concern. He is averaging 13.2 points and shooting 40 per cent from the field, close to his career rate. After missing all of last season with a torn ACL, the 31-year-old is also returning from a significant injury. His role is complicated by the need to keep the ball in his hands: as a lower-percentage shooter, he may be less effective stationed off the ball.

For Houston, the issue is not simply VanVleet’s individual production. The Rockets are trying to balance his experience and playmaking with the need to give Thompson and other young players room to develop—and to make sure Durant receives enough scoring opportunities. Durant’s current shot volume is close to that of several teammates, despite his standing as one of the league’s premier scorers.

VanVleet can still provide value to a team with championship ambitions, particularly through his organization and experience. But the Rockets’ early-season numbers have renewed a familiar debate for Raptors fans: whether his presence and on-ball responsibilities can come at the expense of younger players’ growth and the team’s most potent scoring options.