Rockets Thrive Despite VanVleet’s Absence
When the Houston Rockets learned of Fred VanVleet’s ACL tear just before the season began, the atmosphere was charged with concern rather than outright panic. His absence raised questions about the team’s ability to navigate the season successfully. VanVleet, pivotal to the Rockets’ young core, was instrumental in their impressive 52-30 record last year. His performances in the playoffs, where he averaged 18.7 points, 4.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game against the Golden State Warriors, underscored his importance. Despite Houston’s first-round exit, his potential pairing with Kevin Durant loomed large in discussions about the team’s future.
Navigating the Depth Chart
With VanVleet sidelined, the Rockets faced a dilemma: Should they explore trades for a replacement, wait until the deadline for a more strategic move, or stick with their current roster? Early indications suggest that Houston is opting for the latter, fueled by a remarkable start to the season. Following a solid 114-104 road victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Rockets find themselves with a 10-3 record, placing them third in the Western Conference.
The numbers tell an impressive story. Houston currently boasts the highest offensive rating in the league at 123, while also holding the seventh-best defensive rating at 111.6. The team’s ability to thrive without VanVleet has led many to question the need for an immediate trade.
Emerging Stars Step Up
Key to their success has been the production from players like Reed Sheppard, Josh Okogie, and Aaron Holiday. Holiday has notably stepped up, averaging 12.7 points over his last three games, filling the gap created by Tari Eason’s oblique injury. Okogie has proved versatile, alternating with Steve Adams in the starting lineup. Ime Udoka has the flexibility to go with a larger lineup featuring Adams alongside Alperen Sengun or a quicker configuration with Okogie starting.
Sheppard, in particular, has emerged as a significant asset at point guard. The second-year player is averaging 12.5 points, 3.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His shooting percentages—48.8% from the field and 47.3% from beyond the arc—demonstrate his efficacy as both a scorer and a facilitator. More importantly, his defensive contributions disrupt opponents, allowing the Rockets to maintain their competitive edge.
Future Considerations
While the trade deadline remains on the horizon, the Rockets appear to be building solid chemistry amongst their current roster, even with VanVleet, Eason, and Dorian Finney-Smith sidelined. The team’s performance hints that significant changes may not be necessary at this juncture. Given their hard-capped status at the first apron, maintaining the current unit may prove to be the wisest decision as they continue to push forward in the season.
As the Rockets demonstrate their resilience and capability, they are proving that they are a force to be reckoned with, underscoring the depth and versatility of their roster.
