The Houston Rockets are preparing to cover Fred VanVleet’s minutes from within the organization after the veteran guard suffered a season-ending ACL tear, league sources told multiple outlets.
Houston has an open 15th roster spot but remains pressed against the first-apron hard cap, leaving insufficient room to sign even a minimum-salary free agent. Trade options are also limited; roughly half of the roster cannot be moved under current CBA restrictions, and several other players are considered unlikely trade candidates.
Sheppard, Thompson could assume larger ball-handling duties
Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports that rookie Reed Sheppard, second-year guard Amen Thompson and veteran Aaron Holiday are the most likely beneficiaries of VanVleet’s absence. Lerner notes that Sheppard offers the closest skill match to VanVleet thanks to his three-point shooting and playmaking, while Thompson’s athletic off-ball movement is something the coaching staff hopes to preserve even as his on-ball responsibilities rise.
Thompson was already expected to initiate more offense before the injury, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic. Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix echoed that view, adding that Thompson recently identified playmaking as his top offseason priority.
VanVleet’s impact went beyond scoring
VanVleet led the Rockets with 3.1 deflections per game last season and produced more screen assists than any non-center on the roster, contributions the club must now replicate by committee.
Roster construction under scrutiny
The Athletic’s John Hollinger questioned Houston’s offseason strategy, pointing to the acquisition of center Clint Capela as an example of how the club bolstered its frontcourt while leaving minimal cap flexibility and thin backcourt depth. Hollinger added that the expanded roles for Thompson and Sheppard could still pay long-term dividends if both guards adapt quickly.
Bostic joins bench as assistant coach
In a separate move, Josh Bostic has been promoted from player development coach to full-time assistant, Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports reported. Bostic, a longtime pro in overseas leagues, fills the vacancy created when Mike Moser departed for a position on David Adelman’s staff in Denver.
Source: Hoops Rumors
