Rockets just suffered their worst loss of the offseason

The Houston Rockets suffered their worst loss of the offseason when Fred VanVleet suffered a torn ACL in a workout. He will miss the entire 2025-26 season, and the Rockets can't add a replacement. They are just $1.2 million under the first apron, where Houston is hard-capped. FVV helped turn the franchise around and was a crucial leader. The Rockets will feel his loss both on and off the floor.

Houston was supposed to be a serious title contender. They had the second-best regular season record in the Western Conference before losing in the opening round of the playoffs in 2025. The Rockets traded for Kevin Durant and had their sights set on winning it all. They re-signed VanVleet as part of their home run offseason, but the plans hit a major snag with his injury.

The Rockets will be forced to rely heavily on Reed Sheppard unless they make a roster-altering trade. Finding a team willing to take on salary won’t be easy or cheap. Houston may be stuck rocking with the second-year guard until close to the trade deadline.

Fred VanVleet's injury was a devastating blow to the Rockets

VanVleet averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 35.2 minutes per game last season. His scoring and playing time increased as the Rockets desperately searched for offense in the playoffs. They now have Kevin Durant, but VanVleet was their only trusted point guard.

Amen Thompson could play a more on-ball role this season. The 22-year-old has all the talent to be a superstar, but needs time to grow. He was first-team All-Defense in 2025, but his jumper and playmaking must improve. Those gains just got a lot more important after the devastating VanVleet news.

Reed Sheppard couldn’t get on the floor last season because of his defense. Did he take a significant leap? Rockets fans need that to be the case. Relying on two young ball-handlers is a problem for a franchise hoping to compete for a championship, but Houston doesn't have much choice.

Fans shouldn’t write Houston off yet. Ime Udoka has proven to be one of the best coaches in the NBA, and he will have something up his sleeve. It could be more KD and Alperen Sengun if Amen and Sheppard aren’t ready for primetime.

The Fred VanVleet injury was devastating and may force Houston to be aggressive in the trade market. They just acquired Durant and will have no issues taking another swing. FVV’s $25 million salary could be a fine matching piece in acquiring a marquee talent.

The Houston Rockets are all-in on competing for a championship. This was the absolute worst loss of the offseason and something nobody wanted, but it may force the franchise to make a massive splash. There will be star point guards available, but the Rockets hope the answer is already on their roster. That would mean the present and future are bright in Houston. Fans will just have to wait to see how it all plays out.