Rockets Face Major Setback as Fred VanVleet Tears ACL
The Houston Rockets have been dealt a huge blow to their upcoming season. Reports have confirmed that Fred VanVleet, the team’s starting point guard and veteran leader, has suffered a torn ACL in his knee. According to multiple sources, including ESPN’s Shams Charania, this injury could sideline VanVleet for the entirety of the 2025–26 NBA season. For a Rockets team that had championship aspirations, this news comes as nothing short of devastating.
VanVleet, who signed a two-year, $50 million extension with the Rockets this past June, was expected to be a key piece in their push toward contention. His role wasn’t just about scoring or facilitating the offense—he provided stability, leadership, and the kind of experience that a young roster often needs in high-pressure moments. Just last season, he helped lift Houston from being a lottery team to finishing with the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Despite their strong regular season, the Rockets fell in the first round of the playoffs to the Golden State Warriors. Still, the progress was undeniable, and expectations were sky-high heading into this year.
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This summer, Houston doubled down on its pursuit of a title by making a blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant in a seven-team deal, shipping out multiple young players to solidify their core. The idea was clear: pair a proven veteran like Durant with a steady floor general like VanVleet and let their younger stars grow into complementary roles. Now, with VanVleet likely sidelined, that carefully built plan has been thrown off course.
Statistically, VanVleet’s 2024–25 season may not have been his most explosive, averaging 14.1 points per game, his lowest output since 2018–19. But those numbers don’t tell the full story. In the postseason, he raised his play significantly, putting up 18.7 points per game while also dishing out 5.6 assists and grabbing 3.7 rebounds. He played in 60 games, starting every one of them, and his consistency gave Houston a foundation to build around.
The ripple effects of his absence will be felt immediately. The Rockets’ depth chart at point guard now points to young Amen Thompson, along with Aaron Holiday, rookie Reed Sheppard, and Nate Williams as possible replacements. While each of those players brings potential, none carries the proven leadership or playoff experience VanVleet offers. For a team that was aiming to make a deep playoff push, the loss of its captain on the floor creates a massive challenge.
Beyond the Rockets, the timing of this injury also impacts the league in a broader sense. VanVleet had just been elected president of the National Basketball Players Association this past July, stepping into a vital leadership role off the court as well. His influence on the game extends far beyond what he does in uniform, making this setback even more significant.
For now, Houston must regroup and adjust quickly. Their championship hopes haven’t disappeared, but without VanVleet, the path forward looks much steeper.
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