Fred VanVleet adds fuel to fire of questionable Rockets decisions

The Rockets have seemingly been waiting for Fred VanVleet to return healthy for nearly a full year now, but his latest reveal shows how foolish that strategy can be. In the latest episode of his podcast Unguarded, VanVleet revealed that he actually got surgery for both an ACL and meniscus tear, adding to the severity of his knee injury. Not only does this new information show that Houston should have never expected him to play last season, but it also casts doubt on whether he can return to his previous level of play next season.

The Rockets are expecting too much from VanVleet

Coming back from an ACL and meniscus tear is tough for any NBA player, but especially an aging undersized guard. With VanVleet coming off such a major injury and the Rockets desperately in need of more playmaking, they should be aggressive in trades and free agency to secure their point guard of the future. But that's not what we are seeing from the Rockets front office at all.

Instead, the Rockets seem more focused on making marginal upgrades that don't address the team's biggest needs. Even with a healthy VanVleet playing at his pre-injury level, the current roster doesn't have enough depth at point guard or enough shooting overall. But factor in some declined related to his injury recovery and the Rockets' decisions become indefensible.

Keep in mind this is just about the most devastating injury in basketball and the team's best player is 37-year-old Kevin Durant. As it currently stands, the Rockets are set up to waste yet another year of KD's limited remaining All-NBA campaigns. Both Durant and the Rockets could be in for a world of disappointment if VanVleet has the usual expected struggles while recovering from his traumatic injury.

There's no reason for the Rockets not to get a safety blanket

Even if the Rockets have full confidence that VanVleet can make a full recovery before next season, they should be looking to add more options at his position. Fred's injury and age (he'll turn 33 next season) make him a prime candidate to miss some games throughout the season. In a crowded West, even a few games could make all the difference in playoff standing.

So the Rockets need to get active and find some other credible point guards to run the offense. VanVleet is a great floor general when healthy and incoming rookie Bruce Thornton projects to become the same type of player eventually. But a more dynamic guard who can actively create advantages for himself and teammates should be the biggest point of emphasis this offseason. Anything less will be setting up the team to fail, regardless of VanVleet's own status next season.

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