Rockets face uncertainty as VanVleet’s injury complicates Durant’s future
The Houston Rockets entered the offseason with high hopes, but recent developments have cast a shadow over their aspirations. An NBA insider has raised concerns that Fred VanVleet’s recent ACL tear could significantly impact the team’s ambitions, particularly affecting the future of 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant.
A Summer of Ambition
This summer, the Rockets were active in the trade market, pulling off a groundbreaking seven-team deal to acquire Durant. In addition to the former Phoenix Suns star, Houston also added Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela, and Josh Okogie to bolster their roster. Furthermore, VanVleet was brought back on a team-friendly two-year, $50 million contract, and the team re-signed Steven Adams to complement Capela as a co-backup center.
However, the optimism quickly evaporated when VanVleet suffered a torn ACL during an offseason mini-camp workout in the Bahamas. This injury not only jeopardizes his season but also diminishes the Rockets’ standing among the Western Conference’s elite contenders for the NBA Finals.
Shifting Responsibilities
With VanVleet likely sidelined for the entire season, the Rockets find themselves in a precarious position. The team is investing heavily in their frontcourt, with $54.7 million allocated to three centers: Alperen Sengun, Capela, and Adams. Conversely, they are now alarmingly thin at the point guard position.
Reed Sheppard, the former No. 3 overall draft pick, is expected to step into the starting role. Last season, Sheppard was not a consistent fixture in head coach Ime Udoka’s rotation, averaging only 12.6 minutes across 52 games, with three starts as a rookie. With a young and largely untested lineup, the onus will fall on Durant, Sengun, and rising star Amen Thompson to step up and create offensive opportunities.
Durant’s Future in Houston
As the Rockets grapple with VanVleet’s absence, the question of Durant’s future looms large. The injury might hinder Houston’s chances of negotiating an extension for Durant, who is set to earn $54.7 million this year. Should the Rockets fail to secure a deal, the two-time champion could enter free agency next summer.
Durant, still a formidable offensive presence despite his age—he will turn 37 this season—averaged 26.6 points per game last year on impressive shooting splits of .527/.430/.839. However, his tenure with the Suns ended on a sour note, with a disappointing 36-46 record. While he may not be the unstoppable force he once was during his prime with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors, Durant remains one of the league’s most difficult players to defend.
The Road Ahead
The immediate outlook for the Rockets appears daunting. Nevertheless, if VanVleet can return to form and Durant decides to re-sign or extend his contract, Houston could once again find itself in the mix for top-tier competition in the Western Conference. Last season, the Rockets finished with a respectable 52-30 record, leaving fans hopeful for a brighter future.
As the team navigates this challenging juncture, the interplay between player health and contract negotiations will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of the Rockets’ season and beyond.
