Fred VanVleet Explains His Decision to Skip Podcasting During the NBA Season

Fred VanVleet has not appeared on the floor this season while rehabbing a torn ACL, but his voice has still traveled. The Houston Rockets guard recently addressed the growing trend of active NBA players launching podcasts, and his comments quickly stood out. VanVleet did not name names, yet the message landed clearly in a league where microphones often come out as fast as box scores. Appearing on All the Smoke with Matt Barnes, VanVleet explained why podcasting during the season does not fit his mindset, Sports Illustrated reports. His remarks arrived amid a broader shift often labeled “New Media,” where players build and own platforms rather than rely on traditional outlets. “I just can’t see myself preparing for a game or in the middle of a slump and then wanting to get on here and do a podcast,” VanVleet said. “It’s not about capability. It’s about desire.” VanVleet Draws a Line Between Playing and Talking VanVleet hosts his own podcast, Unguarded, and has used it while sidelined. He even welcomed Kevin Durant as a guest. Durant has expanded far beyond guest appearances, launching Boardroom, a media network spanning sports, entertainment, and culture. That wave includes players recording immediately after games, a practice that has drawn criticism. Draymond Green has famously taped episodes of The Draymond Green Show shortly after final buzzers with the Golden State Warriors. Another player who seemingly takes podcasting serious is none other than Podcast P Paul George. Both do not share the same mindset that VanVleet has, which is fine, but we can understand exactly where the Rockets’ guard is coming from with his take. VanVleet made it clear that he respects player-driven platforms, but he sees limits during competition. He stressed that constant commentary can clash with the mental demands of an NBA season. He did note one part he enjoys. “I do enjoy talking to the fans,” VanVleet said. “Having callers and connecting with people who support me, that part has been dope. I don’t know about having an opinion on everything all the time.” The Rockets have stayed competitive without him, sitting at 24–15 after a recent win over Minnesota. VanVleet has publicly discussed wanting to return, then later tempered expectations, leaving his timeline open. Praise for Ime Udoka Adds Context to His Comments VanVleet also used the same platform to praise Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, drawing a direct line to his coaching roots under Gregg Popovich, Basketball Network reports. “He gets credit for the stern face and holding guys accountable,” VanVleet said. “But I really just call him the black Pop. He came up under Pop.” VanVleet added that Udoka blends structure with modern edge, describing him as a version of Popovich tuned into today’s culture. The comment highlighted why VanVleet values focus and accountability, themes that also shape his stance on podcasting during the season. Together, VanVleet’s remarks painted a clear picture. Players can own their voices, but timing matters. For him, the work happens between the lines first, and the mic comes later.