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What Does Bullock Symbolizes For Rockets?

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Rockets
By Coty M. Davis | Last updated 10/6/23

LAKE CHARLES, La. - Reggie Bullock had options, and a handful of his choices would have led to him contributing to a contending team during the 2023-24 campaign. But after Bullock narrowed down his choices, he decided on the Houston Rockets.

"I just felt like this was the [right] decision," Bullock said. "I heard nothing but great things about the direction of this organization, with a great young core and veterans. It was just something comfortable for me."

Bullock joined the Rockets in Lake Charles for training camp a day after signing with the organization on Wednesday morning. He became a free agent after the San Antonio Spurs waived him two days prior.

Coach Ime Udoka is thrilled to add an accomplished 3-and-D player. He said before signing Bullock, the Rockets were searching for a player of his caliber. During his first practice inside the Legacy Center at McNeese State University, Bullock hit the ground running after arriving in Lake Charles in basketball shape.

But outside of his on-court production, the acquisition of Bullock showcases the importance of Houston's changing of the culture.

The Rockets' overhaul has led to the team adding five veterans. Each player has shared a similar sentiment of helping the Rockets' young roster due to their willingness to sign with a franchise that won a combined 59 games since 2020-2021.

Fred VanVleet, an All-Star point guard, had several suitors after he became a free agent in July. One of his options was to remain with the Toronto Raptors, who won 41 games last season.

But similar to Bullock, VanVleet developed a belief in Houston's future after conversations with Udoka and Houston's management. Dillon Brooks and Jock Landale are established players who signed with the Rockets despite being highly sought-after prospects as free agents.

"Some opportunities come along that are too good to pass up," VanVleet said at Rockets media day. "I am here and excited to be in a position where I can be myself and help as much as I can.

"That’s why I’m here. That’s why that contract [three years, $128.5 million] was what it was. There’s going to be a lot on my plate. It’s not something I shy away from. I’m going to be who I am as a player, as a teammate, but there’s always room to help guys along the way."

As a member of the Dallas Mavericks over the previous two seasons, Bullock played against the Rockets eight times. And from the outside looking in as an opponent, Bullock said he viewed the Rockets as a team that had "just a bunch of young guys."

Udoka said after Bullock made his decision, he and general manager Rafael Stone showed their gratitude for having another veteran take a chance on them.

If the Rockets tried to make a run at Bullock a year ago, the 32-year-old forward would have signed with a different team. But after his first day of practice Thursday afternoon, Bullock has already seen a culture shift within the Rockets - and he's now part of the reason it can shift in an even more positive direction.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Rockets and was syndicated with permission.

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