Fred VanVleet Out Indefinitely With Torn ACL, Houston’s Title Push Takes a Hit
Just when everything was trending upward for Ime Udoka's Houston Rockets...
Fred VanVleet doesn't get much credit for being a foundational piece of a rising Houston Rockets team.
That is, until Monday's crushing news that VanVleet reportedly tore his ACL, potentially sidelining him for the entire 2025-26 NBA season before even stepping onto the court.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 02: Fred VanVleet #5 of the Houston Rockets reacts to a three point basket against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Chase Center on May 02, 2025 in San Francisco, California.(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 10: Fred VanVleet #5 of the Houston Rockets celebrates a three point basket late in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Toyota Center on November 10, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ESPN's Shams Charania broke the story, casting a grim shadow over the Rockets' soaring expectations.
Although not confirmed, the expectation is that VanVleet will miss the entire season.
VanVleet's absence inevitably knocks Houston’s appeal down a peg, especially after a crucial acquisition aimed at elevating the franchise into the championship tier of NBA teams.
The 31-year-old point guard won an NBA title with the 2018-19 Toronto Raptors and joined the Rockets in 2023 to anchor coach Ime Udoka's young but talented group.
That youth movement shifted dramatically this summer when Houston traded Jalen Green to the Phoenix Suns for Kevin Durant — a blockbuster move meant to fast-track the rebuild and thrust the Rockets into immediate title contention.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 28: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the second half of game four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 28, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Timberwolves defeated the Suns 122-116 and win the series 4-0. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Bolstering their backcourt, Houston drafted Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard with the No. 3 pick in 2024, giving them a polished shooter entering Year 2.
Houston finished 52–30 last season but fell to the Warriors in seven games in the first round.
VanVleet was an All-Star in 2022. In June, Houston re-signed him to a two-year, $50 million contract extension.
The veteran PG averaged 14.1 points and 5.6 assists last season.
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