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Fred VanVleet of the Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets have issued an update on Fred VanVleet‘s recovery from a torn ACL suffered before the season started. The Rockets never fully addressed their problems at point guard ahead of the playoffs.
Back in late September, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that VanVleet tore the ACL in his right knee. He underwent surgery, but the Rockets didn’t rule him out for the rest of the season. It has been six months since he sustained the injury, with an estimated recovery period of nine to 12 months.
The Rockets were confident about their roster despite losing VanVleet, with Amen Thompson initially slotted at point guard. Reed Sheppard has also been in and out of the starting lineup, while Alperen Sengun has turned into the team’s primary playmaker.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 30: Fred VanVleet #5 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 30, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
In his pregame media availability on Monday, Rockets coach Ime Udoka shared an update on VanVleet’s injury recovery. The one-time NBA champion has started working out on the court, but he has not been cleared for any contact.
“Shooting, cutting, moving, non-contact,” Udoka said, via Basket News. “That’s pretty much the extent of the on-court. Right around the six-month mark, and you can start to ramp up things, but no contact at any point soon, or nothing we’re looking forward to, honestly.”
Ime Udoka spoke about Fred VanVleet’s progress in rehabbing the ACL injury, though it sounds pretty clear he doesn’t expect a return this season.
“Shooting, cutting, moving, non contact,” said Udoka on Fred’s current status. “That’s pretty much the extent of the on-court. Right
Udoka also seemingly confirmed that VanVleet won’t be returning this season, including the playoffs.
“It will come soon. Obviously, you’re not looking at playing if you’re not getting on the court and making contact at this late in the season.”
The coach’s statement about VanVleet’s potential return contradicted what the player said in his podcast a couple of weeks ago.
“I’m not ruling it out, and I’m not saying I’m coming back. I’m just rehabbing, I’m working on myself, and I keep that goal in mind because I’ve made such good progress.”
Despite VanVleet’s absence, the Rockets are in the thick of the playoff race in the West. The Rockets are 43-28, with 11 games left in the season. They are sitting sixth in the standings but are just 2.5 games behind the No. 3 seed. However, they need to stave off the Phoenix Suns, who are aiming to get a spot in the top six.
In VanVleet’s absence, Sheppard has stepped up in just his second year in the league. He’s averaging 13.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He’s been better as a starter, putting up 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.2 blocks in 13 games.
And in those 13 starts, the Rockets are 10-3, so Udoka might need to stick with him heading into the playoffs. However, one thing that Sheppard can’t provide that VanVleet can is experience.
VanVleet is a one-time NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors. His voice will remain valuable on the sidelines, especially if the Rockets go on a long postseason run.
Juan Paolo David Juan Paolo David is a sports journalist covering basketball for Heavy. He has a decade of experience writing about the NBA and WWE. He's currently based in the Philippines. More about Juan Paolo David
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