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Rockets Ball-Handling Crisis: How Houston Plans to Replace Fred VanVleet

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | Last updated Oct 9, 2025 9:24 AM ET

The Houston Rockets’ preseason optimism took a sharp hit these days after news broke that starting point guard Fred VanVleet had torn his ACL, sidelining him for the entire 2025-26 season. The veteran guard was expected to anchor Houston’s playmaking and leadership. Now, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka faces his biggest challenge yet: rebuilding the team’s offensive structure without its primary floor general.

VanVleet sustained the injury during a scrimmage before the team’s second preseason game against the Utah Jazz. It’s a devastating loss for a team that has invested heavily in him. The 31-year-old had a rough regular season in 2024-25. However, he averaged 17.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 38.7% from 3 the season prior, providing Houston with the veteran stability it had long lacked. Consequently, his absence not only affects scoring and distribution but also leadership.

Rockets Ball-Handling Crisis: How Houston Plans to Replace VanVleet

The immediate response will be to give more responsibility to Amen Thompson, the 21-year-old guard who has shown flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency. The No. 4 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, he averaged 9.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists last season, primarily off the bench.

Thompson’s greatest strength lies in his athleticism and defensive potential. He’s one of the fastest players on the court and can pressure opposing guards full-court. The challenge lies in half-court execution, where VanVleet excelled. Thompson’s decision-making and shooting remain developmental areas, though Udoka and his staff have praised his growth throughout training camp.

In a recent media session, Udoka revealed Thompson would get the first opportunity to run the offense, citing his energy and versatility. “He sees the floor well and plays with poise,” Udoka says. “Now it’s about consistency.”

If Thompson can make even a moderate leap in playmaking, Houston’s transition-heavy style could remain effective. However, it will require patience and discipline from both the player and coaching staff.

JD Davison: From Long Shot to Rotation Piece

Another name gaining traction is JD Davison, who impressed in the team’s preseason opener with 17 points, four assists, and a +13 plus-minus in 22 minutes against the Hawks.

However, Davison had a quieter night in the team’s second game against the Jazz, posting eight points, three rebounds, two assists, and one block in limited minutes. His reduced role didn’t diminish his confidence or efficiency, and he remained aggressive attacking closeouts. The dip in playing time appeared to be more about rotation experimentation than performance.

Oct 6, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard JD Davison (4) dribbles the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Coming to the Rockets after a G League MVP campaign, Davison is currently on a two-way contract. His scoring burst and floor vision turned heads at training camp, and with VanVleet’s injury, his role could expand rapidly.

Davison’s aggressive scoring mindset complements Thompson’s pass-first tendencies, giving Udoka the option to stagger their minutes or even play them together in small, high-energy lineups. Still, expecting Davison to replace VanVleet’s veteran calm would be unfair. The focus will be on developing him as a reliable rotation guard capable of keeping the offense moving.

The Veteran Presence: Kevin Durant’s Role Grows

Ironically, VanVleet’s injury could push Kevin Durant into a more active playmaking role. Durant has averaged 5+ assists per game in four of his last five seasons and has already been seen facilitating in Houston’s early offensive sets. His ability to read double-teams and create scoring opportunities for teammates could help offset the loss of a true point guard.

Durant made his long-awaited preseason debut for Houston on Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz, leading the team with 20 points on efficient shooting. His offensive control stood out immediately, showing how seamlessly he can integrate without disrupting Alperen Sengun’s rhythm. Beyond scoring, Durant’s passing out of isolations and secondary actions provided the kind of structure Houston needed in VanVleet’s absence.

Udoka’s system may evolve into a “committee-style” offense, where Durant, Sengun, and Thompson share initiation duties. Sengun, who averaged 4.8 assists last season, further emphasized his court vision against Utah, recording a double-double with 13 points and 13 assists. That performance highlighted his readiness to assume a larger playmaking role in Rockets ball handling and offensive scheme.

Looking Ahead

There’s no sugarcoating it: losing VanVleet changes everything. His steadiness, leadership, and command of pace were foundational to Udoka’s plan. Without him, Houston must embrace experimentation and growth.

If there’s a silver lining, it’s opportunity. Thompson can fast-track his development, Davison can earn trust, and the coaching staff can uncover new layers of creativity in their system.

The Rockets ball handling problem won’t be solved overnight. But if Houston create your own cohesion, this setback could become the defining test of the team’s resilience and depth.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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