BAHAMAS — What was supposed to be a move to boost Houston’s playoff push has instead turned into a devastating blow. Fred VanVleet tore his ACL during a mini-camp in the Bahamas, an event meant to build team chemistry. The Rockets, fresh off winning the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, are projected as title contenders. Now, VanVleet’s injury casts a long shadow over the Rockets’ championship hopes.
Five Ways The Rockets Could Overcome Fred VanVleet’s Injury
This setback hits hardest at the one position where the Rockets lack depth — lead guard. VanVleet was expected to be the floor general, and now the team must quickly adapt. Here are five ways they could overcome this season-defining challenge.
Amen Thompson’s Time Arrives
Heavy is the head that wears the crown. Amen Thompson has been due for a leap since the Durant trade. With VanVleet sidelined, his role expands exponentially. His usage rate, 18.5% last season, will rise as he takes control of the offense.
Thompson’s growth as a playmaker and cutter will be tested under pressure. Durant’s shooting and playmaking should help, but the responsibility of orchestrating the team falls squarely on his shoulders. His third season will define whether he can grow into the role or falter under the weight of expectations.
Reed Sheppard Steps Up
Van Vleet injury’s also opens the door for Reed Sheppard. The sophomore had an inconsistent rookie campaign, flashing elite shooting but struggling against size and physicality. His 17.8% usage rate in 52 appearances showed promise but little consistency.
Now, Sheppard gets a chance to carve out a reliable role in Ime Udoka’s system. He won’t be handed a starting spot, but his scoring and guard skills off the bench will be vital. If he finds rhythm, he could become a surprise X-factor. He flashed some of this ability during his very short stint in the G-League.
The Trade Route
The Rockets’ cap situation complicates trade options. Sitting at the first-apron hard cap, they lack movable salary without sacrificing rotation pieces. Durant, Thompson, Sheppard, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason are the only players that can be moved but all are unlikely to be traded.
Technically, VanVleet could be moved after December 15, but trading an injured player rarely happens immediately. Complicating matters, VanVleet’s two-year deal with a player option gives him an implied no-trade clause, which he didn’t waive. VanVleet’s injury limits trade flexibility, forcing the Rockets to wait.
Free Agency Limitations
Free agency offers few short-term solutions. The Rockets lack room ($1.25 million) under the hard cap to add a player before January. At that point, they could sign a free agent to a rest-of-season contract. Until then, internal development will have to carry them.
The Disabled Player Exception
The most realistic path would have been the Disabled Player Exception, valued at $14 million. It allows Houston to sign a free agent for one year or trade for a player on an expiring deal. However, since they must stay under the hard cap, the Rockets can’t use the DPE they received.
The Last Word
VanVleet’s injury is a gut punch for a Rockets team with championship aspirations. Yet, it could accelerate Thompson’s development, give Sheppard valuable reps, and test Houston’s resourcefulness. How they respond will determine whether the season collapses — or whether the team grows stronger through adversity.
Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
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