The idea once felt unrealistic. Now, it feels cautiously plausible. The Houston Rockets are no longer ruling out a late-season return for Fred VanVleet, and the veteran point guard is openly working toward that goal. While nothing is guaranteed, the possibility of VanVleet rejoining Houston in time for the playoffs has become one of the most intriguing storylines surrounding the team’s second half.
VanVleet tore his right ACL in September, an injury that typically ends a season on the spot. Yet, less than four months later, optimism has started to surface.
According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, VanVleet is targeting a potential return around the start of the postseason. That timeline would place his comeback roughly seven months after surgery, significantly faster than the standard recovery window for NBA players.
Fred VanVleet’s Early Return Could Change The Rockets’ Season
MacMahon shared his insight after speaking directly with VanVleet during the Rockets’ recent visit to Dallas. The guard was already participating in spot-up shooting sessions on the court, an encouraging sign at this stage of rehabilitation. More importantly, VanVleet made it clear that returning for the playoffs is not a vague hope. It is an active goal.
VanVleet acknowledged that his surgeon believes a return in April is medically possible. That alone separates this situation from speculative optimism. At the same time, he emphasized restraint. If medical feedback suggests additional risk, he will not force the issue. The Rockets, likewise, are approaching the situation with flexibility rather than pressure.
The Western Conference playoffs are expected to begin in mid-April, which would place VanVleet’s return at approximately 210 days post-surgery. Historically, that is aggressive. Most ACL recoveries stretch beyond nine months before players resume competitive NBA minutes. However, advancements in rehabilitation and surgical techniques have begun to reshape those expectations.
Why This Timeline Is Aggressive, Yet Not Unprecedented
Fast recoveries from ACL injuries remain rare, but they are no longer unheard of. MacMahon referenced two notable examples who returned close to this timeframe. Kendrick Perkins made it back in 224 days during the 2010–11 season, while Danny Green returned in roughly 265 days following his ACL tear during the 2022 playoffs.
Both players later shared their perspective with MacMahon, and their views aligned. They described VanVleet’s plan as ambitious, yet realistic for a player with his work habits.
Green pointed out that the mental hurdle is often greater than the physical one, especially the trust required to fully plant and move on the repaired knee. Perkins emphasized that VanVleet’s game relies far more on positioning, strength and decision-making than explosive athleticism.
Those factors matter. VanVleet has never been a guard who depends on burst or verticality. His value lies in ball control, toughness and command of tempo. That profile lowers certain risks while still demanding patience and discipline in recovery.
What A Return Would Mean For Houston’s Rotation
Houston’s current position adds another layer of intrigue. The Rockets sit well above .500 and firmly in the playoff picture, even without their starting point guard. Amen Thompson has transitioned into the lead guard role, allowing Tari Eason to step into a larger wing responsibility. While that alignment has worked, it has also exposed depth issues, particularly off the bench.
A potential VanVleet return scenario does not necessarily imply reclaiming the starting role. MacMahon himself expressed skepticism about VanVleet handling full starter minutes immediately.
Instead, Houston could view his return as a stabilizing force in shorter stretches. His presence could calm late-game possessions, reduce turnovers and provide structure in moments that have repeatedly hurt the Rockets.
That role would also protect VanVleet’s health while maximizing his impact. The Rockets are among the slowest-paced teams in the league, and VanVleet’s experience operating in controlled environments fits that identity naturally. Even limited minutes could swing playoff games where execution outweighs athleticism.
Balancing Hope With Caution
Despite the optimism, both VanVleet and the Rockets are careful to frame this as a possibility, not an expectation. Rushing recovery carries real risks, including setbacks that could affect future seasons. Houston’s medical staff remains aligned with VanVleet’s cautious approach, ensuring that any return would come only with full clearance and confidence.
Still, the fact that this conversation exists at all speaks volumes. Just months ago, VanVleet was assumed to be out for the year. Now, his potential playoff return has become a legitimate subplot for a team with rising expectations after acquiring Kevin Durant and solidifying its core.
The Fred VanVleet return storyline may ultimately end with caution winning out for the Rockets. Yet even the possibility changes the equation. It offers hope, flexibility and a reminder that this Rockets season may still have layers left to unfold.
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