Rockets Face Uncertainty Replacing Fred VanVleet After Preseason

The Houston Rockets are gearing up for the upcoming season with high ambitions, projected to be serious title contenders by 2025-26. Analysts predict the team will secure around 47 to 50 wins, placing them squarely in the top four seeds within the competitive Western Conference. Even the most cautious observers believe they will avoid the play-in tournament. A core roster featuring Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, and Alperen Sengun bolsters these expectations.

Rockets’ Strong Lineup and Analytics

The Rockets have assembled a robust squad, highlighted by a formidable center rotation consisting of Sengun, Steven Adams, and Clint Capela. Their jumbo lineup successfully utilized a double-big approach last season and throughout the preseason, enhancing their size advantage across all positions.

While the starting lineup has not yet been finalized, four players are already confirmed: Sengun, Thompson, Durant, and Jabari Smith Jr. The fifth position was expected to be filled by Fred VanVleet, whose recent ACL injury has left the team without a primary floor general.

Challenges Without Fred VanVleet

VanVleet’s injury, sustained during a minicamp in the Bahamas, has significantly affected the Rockets’ guard depth. Prior to the injury, they were already short on guards, with Reed Sheppard and Aaron Holiday as the only other options. VanVleet’s $25 million salary also puts financial pressure on the franchise, leaving only $1.2 million available—insufficient for signing a veteran player from free agency.

• VanVleet’s Injury: Torn ACL during minicamp
• Current Guards: Reed Sheppard, Aaron Holiday
• Salary Cap Space: $1.2 million

December 15 will offer the team more opportunities to make adjustments as they can trade players signed during the summer. However, this timeline may be crucial since the season will already be a quarter over. By then, the Rockets will need a plan in place for VanVleet’s absence.

Developing Young Talent

The team is expected to rely heavily on Thompson and Sheppard to fill the void left by VanVleet. There is a consensus that both guards will have to divide playmaking responsibilities with Sengun and Durant. Still, one player will likely emerge as the primary choice in crucial moments.

Analyst Zach Buckley from Bleacher Report suggests that the Rockets are counting on their young guards to step up. He notes, “The committee approach could work, but only if Thompson can expand his offensive game and Sheppard can prove himself worthy of holding down a rotation role.” He adds that if these young players do not meet expectations, the Rockets may need to search the trade market for reinforcements.

Key Statistics from Preseason

In conclusion, while the Rockets are optimistic about their potential and starting lineup, Fred VanVleet’s absence poses a significant hurdle. The onus now falls on the young guards to elevate their play to ensure Houston remains competitive as they seek to lay a strong foundation for their championship aspirations.