Poor Fred VanVleet. He was one of the key catalysts of the culture change for the Houston Rockets, alongside head coach Ime Udoka and the traded away Dillon Brooks. The Rockets finally looked poised to pay
off all of the hard work they’ve put in a finally be title contenders, and VanVleet goes down with a torn ACL during a team workout. Reports say he is likely out for the season.
There is a speck of good news there. While FVV is “likely” done for the season, that means a small chance remains that Houston’s floor general could retuern before year’s end. If that happens, the Rockets will have some major decisions to make. Bring VanVleet back and shake up the chemistry the team spent all year building, while also having to get Fred back into game shape? Or just keep him out for the year no matter what to ensure a full recovery?
VanVleet will be 32 years old this season. His stats have slipped. He’s clearly on the downside of his career. Would do any good to rush him back? I guess that depends on how the Rockets fill in for him.
Reed Sheppard will get chances at the point. So will Amen Thompson. We’ll likely see Aaron Holiday or even JD Davison. Point Sengun will also be in full effect, especially when the Rockets are playing their double-big lineup with Steven Adams and Sengun on the floor together. They also have the option to go out and swing a deal, most likely after December. Lots of options remain.
Still, VanVleet signed a two-year, $50 million deal in the offseason. The Rockets are going to want some return on that investment.
Still, there is part of this that could be a blessing in disguise. The Rockets will get to see exactly what they have in Sheppard. He had a disappointing first season in the NBA. He’s been uneven in Summer League. There’s no doubt he’s looked a little better this preseason. Certainly more confident. This could be the exact opportunity the youngster needs to show off his stuff, or show the Rockets that they made a mistake taking him number three overall.
I think the bigger question is… what happens to FVV from here? When he comes back healthy, do the Rockets try to deal him? If Sheppard hits at the point, that’s certainly a real possibility. Although I’m sure Ime Udoka has some loyalty to Fred, the front office has shown it’s willing to do what it takes to improve. The injury leaves his future a little murky. But for now, it’s all aboard the Reed/Amen/Point Sengun train.
