Houston Rockets Face Challenges After VanVleet’s Injury

HOUSTON, Texas — The Houston Rockets are entering the new season facing a significant challenge without starting point guard Fred VanVleet, who suffered a devastating ACL injury during the offseason. Head coach Ime Udoka remains optimistic about the team’s potential despite this setback.

During a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Show, Joe House expressed confidence in Udoka’s ability to keep the team competitive. He stated, “I think they’re going to come out prepared.” While Houston’s playoff aspirations face uncertainty, House believes they can overcome VanVleet’s absence with key players stepping up.

Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard are expected to share the point guard duties. Although this duo might experience some growing pains, Udoka’s prior success last season enabled the Rockets to finish second in the Western Conference thanks in large part to their defense.

VanVleet was not only a primary playmaker but also a vital cultural leader for the Rockets. His injury impacts not just the gameplay but also the morale and synergy within the team. Nonetheless, the Rockets boast a versatile roster capable of fielding potent lineups, especially with the addition of Kevin Durant.

In their opening game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Rockets will debut their double-big lineup featuring Thompson, Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, and Steven Adams. Though Sheppard is not included in the starting five, he aims to earn more playing time as the season progresses. His recent performance, scoring 29 points against the Atlanta Hawks, demonstrated his potential to contribute significantly.

Having played limited minutes last season, Sheppard’s development is crucial for the team. With VanVleet’s leadership now absent, both Thompson and Sheppard need to adjust quickly as the Rockets target another playoff run. As Houston gears up for the season, they plan to use their dynamic roster to fill the void left by VanVleet and maintain their ambition for championship contention.