Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet tore his ACL during an informal team workout in the Bahamas, an injury expected to sideline him for the entire 2025-26 NBA season.
Immediate setback for a revamped roster
The 31-year-old floor general, who signed a two-year, $50 million contract in July, was penciled in as the veteran engine of a roster that added Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela over the summer. Houston entered training camp eyeing a run at its first championship since 1995.
Udoka turns to a committee approach
Head coach Ime Udoka told reporters the Rockets will split playmaking duties among several players, including second-year guard Amen Thompson, 2024 No. 3 pick Reed Sheppard and center Alperen Şengün. Udoka said Durant’s shot-creation gravity will also be critical, adding, “It may not be the traditional point-guard way, but we have plenty of capable pieces to get it done.”
Durant sat out the team’s preseason opener against the Atlanta Hawks, a game Houston won with a starting lineup of Thompson, Sheppard, Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason. Thompson, Şengün and Smith shared ball-handling duties as the Rockets opened a 16-9 lead on a Hawks unit featuring Trae Young and Kristaps Porziņģis.
Projected impact on wins and defense
Preliminary statistical models had Houston carrying the NBA’s fourth-best win projection before the injury. Replacing VanVleet’s minutes with Sheppard, Aaron Holiday and additional time for Thompson and Smith lowers that estimate by nearly four victories. Analysts also note the loss could be felt more on defense; the Rockets allowed 1.9 more points per 100 possessions when VanVleet rested last season.
Limited avenues for roster moves
The club intends to request a $14.1 million disabled-player exception, but Houston is just $1.25 million below the first apron and cannot currently use the full amount. Trade options are constrained as eight off-season signees—including VanVleet—cannot be dealt until mid-December, and Smith carries a poison-pill restriction after signing an extension. With only Durant, Şengün, Thompson, Sheppard and Eason immediately movable, the team’s flexibility lies primarily in its cache of five tradable first-round picks.
Even with VanVleet sidelined, Houston still projects as a playoff contender, though its margin for error in a crowded Western Conference has narrowed.
Source: ESPN
