Mar 25, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) celebrates with guard Fred VanVleet (5) after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

'He’s Still a Talented Playmaker' – Houston Rockets Urged to Consider Signing Former No. 1 Pick Free Agent After Fred VanVleet’s Injury

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 8:44 AM ET

The Houston Rockets’ point guard depth is about to be tested this upcoming season, following Fred VanVleet’s untimely ACL injury that he sustained during a recent offseason workout.

With VanVleet looking at a serious recovery timeline, the Houston Rockets would be keen to add another floor general, and Bleacher Report’s Andrew Peters named Ben Simmons as one of the top candidates. However, they need to make a trade first since they’re $1.25 below the first apron, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

“The 29-year-old is now hoping to stay relevant in the league, and the Rockets’ point guard vacancy could give him the chance to do so,” Peters wrote.

Apr 11, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) at the end of the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

“Simmons is far from the player he once was, as he averaged just 5.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game in 51 contests last year. While he’s not going to be a double-digit scorer, he’s still a talented playmaker, and that’s what Houston needs now that it has one of the best scorers in the NBA with Durant,” he added.

Houston Rockets News: Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson could soak up more PG minutes, per analyst

With VanVleet’s 2025-26 NBA season in limbo, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype believes that the Houston Rockets will open up more point guard opportunities for Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson this year.

Mar 8, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) walks off the court after suffering an apparent injury during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

“With Fred VanVleet suffering a torn ACL and needing surgery, expect Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson to see more playing time at point guard,” Scotto wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). “The VanVleet injury is a significant blow to the Houston Rockets, who added Kevin Durant with the hope of competing for an NBA championship.”

Sheppard barely played in his rookie NBA season, averaging 4.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 35.1 percent shooting from the field in 12.6 minutes per game across 52 regular season appearances. In contrast, Thompson was a key cog in the Houston Rockets’ playoff run, averaging 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks on 55.7 percent shooting from the field across 69 regular season appearances.