Season-ending injury expected! Fred VanVleet suffers a torn ACL in his right knee; Amen Thompson to take on major responsibilities

On September 23rd, Beijing time, renowned journalist Shams reported that Rockets guard Fred VanVleet suffered a torn ACL in his right knee.Sources from the Houston Chronicle confirmed that this injury is likely to cause the Rockets captain to miss the entire 2025-26 season.

Rockets reporter Iko disclosed that VanVleet injured his right knee during an unofficial team mini-camp held in the Bahamas.This player, who was once an All-Star and won the 2019 NBA championship with the team, is scheduled to undergo surgery this week.

This is undoubtedly a devastating blow for both the Rockets and VanVleet himself—just this summer, VanVleet signed a two-year, $50 million contract extension with the Rockets.

For the next two seasons, VanVleet’s salary is set at $25 million per year, with a player option for the 2026-27 season included in the contract. Given the severity of this knee injury, which will likely keep him out for the entire 2025-26 season, the chances of him exercising that player option have significantly increased.

At 31 years old, VanVleet has been one of the key figures behind the Rockets’ dramatic turnaround. Before he joined as a free agent in 2023, the Rockets had three consecutive seasons with poor records: 17-55, 20-62, and 22-60. After VanVleet became the starting point guard, the Rockets improved to a 41-41 record in the 2023-24 season and further excelled last season with a 52-30 record.

Although VanVleet’s stats slightly dipped last season—in 60 regular-season games, he averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals, with a 34.5% three-point shooting percentage—the Rockets performed noticeably better when he was on the court compared to when he was off (plus-minus values of +6.2 versus +2.9).

In the Rockets’ seven-game first-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors last season, VanVleet also demonstrated strong performance. Despite the team’s eventual loss, he averaged 18.7 points, 4.4 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals, shooting an impressive 43.5% from three-point range.During the playoffs, in the 280 minutes VanVleet was on the floor, the Rockets’ net rating was +3.9; however, in the 56 minutes he missed, the team’s net rating plummeted to a dismal -17.1.

Salary cap expert Marks pointed out that the Rockets will likely apply for a “disabled player exception” due to VanVleet’s injury. However, the Rockets’ current payroll has already reached the “luxury tax threshold,” exceeding it by only $1.25 million. This means,even if the disabled player exception is approved, the team currently cannot use it to sign a 15th standard contract player. .If the Rockets consider signing veteran guards like Simmons or Westbrook, they would need to make trades first.

VanVleet is a team leader capable of calming tense situations and pushing teammates when necessary. He has played a vital role in reshaping the Rockets’ culture, acting as Udoka’s on-court extension and a trusted voice off the court. Without his contributions, the Rockets’ recent rise would not have been possible.

“As I said before, from day one, VanVleet’s importance at the point guard position has been undeniable. He has led the team in many ways,” Udoka said at the end of the 2024-25 season. “He has helped teammates grow together and fully understands the team he took over and the meaning of the contract he signed—he is an indispensable part of our team’s development.”

VanVleet’s injury casts a shadow over an already promising Rockets offseason—this summer, the Rockets not only acquired Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade but also signed several capable veteran players. So, who will fill VanVleet’s role in the 2025-26 season? If they look internally, the Rockets’ point guard position is expected to usher in a “youth movement” in VanVleet’s absence.Rising star Amen Thompson, entering his third season, and Shepard, the 2024 NBA draft’s third overall pick entering his second season, are both expected to receive significant playing time originally meant for VanVleet. .

The Rockets will hold media day next week, followed by training camp in Houston. Durant will make his first public appearance with the Rockets then. However, in what should be the team’s most anticipated season in a decade, Durant’s original teammate and trusted point guard VanVleet will be absent—Durant will deliver his first public remarks since joining the team without VanVleet by his side.