By Nelson Espinal
Copyright newsweek
Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet tore his ACL before the start of the 2025-2026 NBA season, derailing the team’s plans for the upcoming season.
The Rockets came out of the offseason as a major winner, landing superstar Kevin Durant without giving up much depth.
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NBA experts were predicting Houston to be serious NBA title contenders, even in a loaded Western Conference. After signing a new $50 million deal with the club this summer, VanVleet was expected to be a crucial player for the Rockets, handling the ball and distributing it to his teammates.
The Rockets’ roster lacks guards and ball-handlers, especially when compared to other title contenders, and VanVleet’s injury exacerbates the problem.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 20: Fred VanVleet #5 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
With training camp around the corner and the season starting in less than a month, the Rockets find themselves in a challenging position, making it tough to find a replacement.
According to a report from Jake Fischer at The Stein Line, the franchise plans to avoid making a rash move and will initially deploy internal solutions.
“The word out of Houston is that the Rockets will use the next few months to evaluate both recent No. 3 pick Reed Sheppard and standout swingman Amen Thompson in greater ball handling capacities before Trade Season truly begins Dec. 15,” Fischer wrote.
“There is no shortage of support in the Rockets’ organization for putting the ball in Thompson’s hands more to see what he can do in the open floor. There is likewise hope that some of the offense can run through big man Alperen Sengun and newly acquired Kevin Durant.”
“The reality, of course, is that the Rockets have almost no financial flexibility anyway to address their sudden need in the backcourt before December or January anyway given that they’re hard-capped at the first apron.”
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The Rockets will be thrusting Sheppard into a significant step up, especially since he primarily played in the G League last season.
On a team with serious expectations, Sheppard will need to deliver on his draft position and start producing.
While the offense for Houston will likely run differently and potentially, less smoothly, the defense could be even better without VanVleet’s small stature providing a key mismatch.
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