VanVleet Injury Chaos: Rockets Scramble After $12.5M Exception Offers No Relief
The Houston Rockets have been on an arduous quest to find a true point guard since trading away James Harden in 2021. The franchise’s efforts to fill the void left by Harden have seen mixed results, with John Wall and Kevin Porter Jr. both falling short of expectations. Wall, despite averaging a respectable 20.7 points and 6.9 assists during the 2020-21 season, was a shadow of his former self, hindered by a series of injuries that took a toll on his athleticism. Porter was viewed as the next in line to take the reins at point guard, but transitioning him from wing to playmaker has proven to be a daunting task, one that is now being replicated with Amen Thompson due to the unfortunate injury to Fred VanVleet.
VanVleet’s Impact and Injury Setback
VanVleet joined the Rockets in 2023 on a lucrative three-year, $128 million deal, a move that drew considerable scrutiny given his size and prior inefficiencies with the Toronto Raptors. Nonetheless, the former All-Star and NBA champion was seen as a vital component in reshaping the team’s culture, a priority for new head coach Ime Udoka. In his inaugural season with Houston, VanVleet averaged 17.4 points and 8.1 assists, helping the Rockets achieve a remarkable 19-win improvement. His postseason performance against the Golden State Warriors showcased his potential, as he averaged 18.7 points while shooting an impressive 43.5% from three-point range.
However, the excitement surrounding VanVleet’s second season took a devastating turn when he suffered a torn ACL during the team’s minicamp in the Bahamas. This setback not only impacts VanVleet’s career but also leaves the Rockets scrambling to fill the void at the point guard position.
The Disabled Player Exception Dilemma
In light of VanVleet’s injury, the Rockets received some news that could provide a glimmer of hope: the NBA granted them a Disabled Player Exception worth $12.5 million, which equates to half of VanVleet’s annual salary. While this ruling theoretically allows the Rockets to seek a replacement, the reality is more complex. The team remains hard-capped at the first apron, with only $1.26 million in wiggle room, meaning they cannot freely leverage this exception without offloading existing salary to create more space.
To clarify, this Disabled Player Exception does not increase the Rockets’ cap space or provide the flexibility needed to make significant trades. The hard cap remains a significant obstacle, and unless the Rockets can clear salary, the exception may go largely unused. Furthermore, VanVleet’s recovery timeline adds another layer of uncertainty; he has expressed a desire to return this season, leaving the team in a precarious situation.
Navigating the Fallout
As the Rockets navigate this tumultuous period, their decision to move Amen Thompson to point guard will be crucial. This adjustment is not just a simple shift; it requires a considerable amount of adaptation, especially given Porter Jr.’s earlier struggles in a similar role. The Rockets’ front office and coaching staff must now work diligently to ensure that the team remains competitive while addressing the gaps left by VanVleet’s absence.
The upcoming season promises to be a challenging one for Houston, fraught with questions about how they will adapt to VanVleet’s injury and whether they can leverage the Disabled Player Exception effectively. As they confront these hurdles, the Rockets remain focused on building a cohesive unit capable of competing at a high level, even amid the chaos.
