Houston’s offseason took a devastating turn with news that guard Fred VanVleet has suffered a torn ACL.
VanVleet went down during a team minicamp in the Bahamas and is now scheduled for surgery this week, Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko reported.
“VanVleet suffered the injury during a team minicamp in the Bahamas,” Iko wrote. “He is scheduled for surgery this week, and will likely miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season.”
Rockets starting point guard Fred VanVleet has suffered a torn right ACL, sources tell @YahooSports. VanVleet, 31, suffered the injury during a team minicamp in the Bahamas — and is scheduled for surgery this week.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) September 22, 2025
The 31-year-old veteran was preparing for his 10th NBA campaign after averaging 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists across 60 games last season. He led Houston in assists and steals per game while logging over 35 minutes a night.
It’s a crushing setback for a Rockets roster that had recently doubled down on VanVleet’s leadership. Earlier this summer, the guard signed a two-year, $50 million deal to remain in Houston. His role was expected to be critical alongside the newly acquired Kevin Durant, as the Rockets looked to blend veteran experience with their young core.
VanVleet’s absence leaves the team searching for answers at point guard.
“With VanVleet out, Houston will likely need Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson — two young, up-and-coming stars — to step into the starting lineup, while elevating bench players like Aaron Holiday or Jabari Smith Jr.,” Per Sportrac’s Keith Smith.
Rockets don’t have room under their first-apron hard cap to sign another player right now. Barring a salary-clearing move, Houston will be able to sign a player in early-January to a rest-of-season contract. https://t.co/rDVEtXeHw2
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) September 22, 2025
The setback not only robs Houston of its starting point guard but also strips the locker room of one of its most vocal leaders. For a team with title aspirations, losing VanVleet before opening night is nothing short of a gut punch.
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