Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has sustained a torn ACL, as multiple reports indicate. The incident occurred during a team minicamp in the Bahamas. VanVleet is anticipated to undergo surgery this week, which suggests he will miss the majority, if not the entirety, of the 2025-2026 NBA season.
At 31 years old and entering his 10th season in the league, VanVleet was a crucial part of the Rockets’ roster. In the previous season, he delivered solid performances, averaging 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists over 60 games. He not only topped the team’s charts in assists and steals per game but also played a vital role in providing leadership within the locker room.
This development is a significant setback for the Houston Rockets, who now face the challenge of starting the season without their acclaimed point guard. VanVleet had recently committed to the team with a two-year, $50 million contract and was poised to lead alongside the newly acquired star, Kevin Durant, in guiding a predominantly young roster.
The injury positions Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson, both promising emerging talents, as potential replacements in the starting lineup. Additionally, bench players such as Aaron Holiday and Jabari Smith Jr. may see increased roles. Currently, the Rockets face salary cap constraints, limiting their ability to sign new players immediately. However, there’s a possibility to enhance the roster with additions later in the season, potentially around January, as suggested by Keith Smith from Sportrac.
Despite this challenging situation, the Rockets have an opportunity to discover and develop their younger players, fostering growth and resilience within their team dynamics. While the absence of VanVleet is a setback, it also poses a chance for the team to explore new strategies and dynamics within their lineup.