Fred VanVleet has been what the Houston Rockets hoped for this season, after missing a year with an ACL tear, and that is a problem for the emerging title contenders.
The Rockets were a major disappointment last season. That idea seems outlandish for a roster that posted 52 wins. However, so much more was expected from them because they won just as many games the previous season, and they did it without Kevin Durant.
Yet, despite having one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, the Rockets struggled to finish fifth in the conference as they dealt with internal drama. When they were then beaten by a banged-up Los Angeles Lakers team in the opening round of the playoffs, it put a cap on a wasted season in Houston.
Fred VanVleet has turned Houston Rockets into the contenders fans expected
Oct 30, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred Vanvleet (5) brings the ball up court against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Boy, what a difference a year can make. Heading into a Monday matchup with the Boston Celtics, the Rockets own a 6-1 record, which is tied for the second-best in the entire NBA. So what’s the big difference? Is it greater synergy? Stronger bonds? NBA insider Chris Mannix pointed to what most think it is during a new edition of his Sports Illustrated podcast.
“I was preaching that Fred VanVleet is going to matter,” he began by saying. “Forget the numbers. Last couple of years, he has not been a high-efficiency guy. He’s still not a high-efficiency guy, but he is a steady, reliable guy out there. He’s going to give you 30-ish minutes per game and be able to initiate the offense.
“I’ve heard Kevin Durant talk about this; it allows everybody else to slot back into their usual positions,” he added. “Amen Thompson doesn’t need to be the point guard on this team. Reed Sheppard doesn’t need to be the point guard on this team. Kevin Durant doesn’t need to have the ball in his hands initiating some of the offense. It just allows everybody to be themselves.”
When the 32-year-old suffered a torn ACL before last season. Some NBA pundits suggested that would be a big problem for the Rockets. But many scoffed at the idea that a team with players like Durant, Thompson, and Alperen Sengun would so badly need the 11-year veteran to play at their best. Well, the results this season make it seem like they really do.
Rockets title hopes resting on VanVleet is a big problem
Oct 28, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred Vanvleet (5) brings the ball up the court again the Milwaukee Bucks in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
But that is a big problem for Houston. Starting next season, when Thompson’s extension kicks in, the Rockets will have $118 million invested in just the trio of Durant, Thompson, and Sengun. Yet, they have created a situation where they won’t get the full return on their investment unless VanVleet is on the floor. It’s as if the New York Knicks‘ best players won’t be as good if Josh Hart isn’t playing.
The guard has had injury issues throughout his entire career and has played in 70-or-more games just twice. Right now, Houston looks like a legitimate title contender. However, if VanVleet does get injured, as he has throughout his career, in a snap they go from contenders to pretenders. And a very expensive pretender at that.
After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka … More about Jason Burgos