Houston Rockets Face Season Without Fred VanVleet After Torn ACL

The Houston Rockets face a significant challenge for the 2025-26 NBA season after the loss of their starting point guard Fred VanVleet to a torn ACL, which will likely sideline him for the entire season. VanVleet's injury removes the team's primary ball handler and playmaker, creating a leadership void on the floor that has raised concerns about their championship prospects despite the presence of Kevin Durant and promising young players like Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. Analysts and commentators emphasize the importance of a true floor general, citing historical failures of teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat that struggled without a dedicated point guard. However, some experts argue that the Rockets can adapt by shifting offensive duties to forwards and relying on the initiations of players like Sengun, Durant, and Thompson, with guards serving more as spot-up shooters. The injury also threatens to impact Sengun's defensive effectiveness since VanVleet played a crucial role in defense at the point of attack, helping the center's growth on that end. The Rockets have trade assets and draft picks that could allow them to pursue a point guard replacement, but they may opt to wait and see how the current roster develops before making a move.