Rockets Lose VanVleet to ACL, Durant Era Begins in Chaos
Fred VanVleet (Houston Rockets)
September 2025
Houston Rockets’ hopes took a huge hit as Fred VanVleet tore his ACL before the season, derailing their backcourt plans. The injury comes after acquiring Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade, leaving rookie Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson with major responsibilities. Reports suggest Houston won’t rush a replacement, instead testing Sheppard and Thompson’s playmaking while leaning on Sengun and Durant. With VanVleet sidelined for months, their offense may stutter, but internal belief remains that their roster depth can keep championship ambitions alive.