Houston Stunned by Star Guard’s Injury
The Houston Rockets have been dealt a crushing blow. Point guard Fred VanVleet, the heartbeat of their resurgence, has torn his ACL during an offseason workout, according to ESPN reports. The injury is expected to keep him sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season. For a franchise riding momentum back into contention, the timing could not be worse.
VanVleet’s Role in Houston’s Revival
When VanVleet signed with Houston in 2023, expectations were modest. Yet in two short years, he transformed the Rockets’ fortunes. His arrival sparked a rise from 22 wins to 52, catapulting Houston to the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference last season and snapping a four-year postseason drought.
The veteran’s presence went beyond numbers. A former NBA champion with Toronto, VanVleet provided leadership, toughness, and the steady hand a young roster desperately needed. While his 2024-25 season average dipped to 14.1 points per game, his postseason surge to 18.7 points per contest showcased his knack for delivering under pressure.
Contract and Next Steps
In June, VanVleet committed to Houston with a two-year, $50 million extension, including a player option for 2026-27. Now, his absence leaves the team thin at the guard spot. The responsibility falls on Reed Sheppard, Aaron Holiday, and rising two-way talent Amen Thompson to carry the load.
Complicating matters, as ESPN’s Bobby Marks explained, Houston is only $1.25 million below the first apron, restricting them from signing a replacement outright. Unless a trade emerges, the Rockets will have to navigate the season with their current roster.
Style, Strengths, and Career Snapshot
VanVleet built his career on grit. A fierce defender and fearless three-point shooter, he attempted 7.7 threes per game last season, ranking second on the team. Still, efficiency has been a recurring issue, with his field goal percentage dipping below 40% for the fourth time in his career.
Across nine seasons, VanVleet has logged 14.9 points and 5.7 assists per game, numbers that reflect his consistency and value as a floor general. His championship pedigree from the Raptors remains an intangible that few on the Rockets’ roster possess.
Conclusion
This injury reshapes Houston’s outlook. The Rockets were primed to build on a breakout 2025-26 season, but VanVleet’s absence forces younger players into bigger roles far sooner than anticipated. Whether Houston can maintain momentum in a competitive Western Conference now hinges on its depth and adaptability.
Houston Stunned by Star Guard’s Injury
The Houston Rockets have been dealt a crushing blow. Point guard Fred VanVleet, the heartbeat of their resurgence, has torn his ACL during an offseason workout, according to ESPN reports. The injury is expected to keep him sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season. For a franchise riding momentum back into contention, the timing could not be worse.
VanVleet’s Role in Houston’s Revival
When VanVleet signed with Houston in 2023, expectations were modest. Yet in two short years, he transformed the Rockets’ fortunes. His arrival sparked a rise from 22 wins to 52, catapulting Houston to the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference last season and snapping a four-year postseason drought.
The veteran’s presence went beyond numbers. A former NBA champion with Toronto, VanVleet provided leadership, toughness, and the steady hand a young roster desperately needed. While his 2024-25 season average dipped to 14.1 points per game, his postseason surge to 18.7 points per contest showcased his knack for delivering under pressure.
Contract and Next Steps
In June, VanVleet committed to Houston with a two-year, $50 million extension, including a player option for 2026-27. Now, his absence leaves the team thin at the guard spot. The responsibility falls on Reed Sheppard, Aaron Holiday, and rising two-way talent Amen Thompson to carry the load.
Complicating matters, as ESPN’s Bobby Marks explained, Houston is only $1.25 million below the first apron, restricting them from signing a replacement outright. Unless a trade emerges, the Rockets will have to navigate the season with their current roster.
Style, Strengths, and Career Snapshot
VanVleet built his career on grit. A fierce defender and fearless three-point shooter, he attempted 7.7 threes per game last season, ranking second on the team. Still, efficiency has been a recurring issue, with his field goal percentage dipping below 40% for the fourth time in his career.
Across nine seasons, VanVleet has logged 14.9 points and 5.7 assists per game, numbers that reflect his consistency and value as a floor general. His championship pedigree from the Raptors remains an intangible that few on the Rockets’ roster possess.
Conclusion
This injury reshapes Houston’s outlook. The Rockets were primed to build on a breakout 2025-26 season, but VanVleet’s absence forces younger players into bigger roles far sooner than anticipated. Whether Houston can maintain momentum in a competitive Western Conference now hinges on its depth and adaptability.
