The Houston Rockets’ hopes for a serious push in the Western Conference just took a massive hit, with Fred VanVleet, a core piece suffering a terrible fate.
During a voluntary team minicamp in the Bahamas, Fred VanVleet tore his right ACL, an injury that will require surgery and likely sideline him for the entire 2025-26 NBA season.
VanVleet, the 31-year-old floor general, was the heart of Houston’s attack last season. He averaged 17.4 points and 8.1 assists per game, anchored their top-10 defense, and provided the kind of leadership that helped guide the Rockets back into playoff contention.
Now, the question is simple but huge: How does Houston fill this gap?
The team does have young guards in Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson, both capable of taking on more responsibility. But banking a playoff run on two rising prospects is a gamble.
That’s where the conversation shifts to one name still on the market: Russell Westbrook.
The former MVP remains unsigned, and while he’s no longer in his prime, Westbrook brings exactly what Houston just lost—veteran leadership, energy, and playmaking. Pairing him with the Rockets’ young core could not only stabilize their backcourt but also add much-needed postseason experience.
Should the Rockets take the chance and give Russ another look? Or do they ride with the youth movement and bet on their future now?
One thing is certain: the Rockets’ season just got a whole lot more interesting.
