Rockets Leader Fred VanVleet Provides New ACL Injury Update

Fred VanVleet’s recovery update brings a measured dose of optimism to the Houston Rockets’ early season narrative. The veteran guard, tore his ACL during offseason workouts in The Bahamas, spoke with reporters for the first time this week, detailing a patient but determined approach to his rehabilitation.

For a Rockets team still adjusting to life without its veteran point guard, VanVleet’s presence and perspective remain vital. While the timeline for his return is uncertain, his commitment to recovery and mentorship continues to shape Houston’s locker room.

Fred VanVleet Provides New Update on His ACL Recovery Progress

The average recovery time for NBA players with ACL injuries typically exceeds nine months, which would likely extend beyond the 2025-26 regular season and possibly the 2026 NBA Finals. In fact, the Rockets plan to apply for a Disabled Players Exception in the wake of VanVleet’s injury, suggesting that he won’t return until next season.

Even so, VanVleet is taking a disciplined, week-by-week approach to rehabbing his surgically-repaired right knee. “I finally ditched crutches after a couple weeks, and that was a big moment for me,” he says (h/t The Rockets Wire). “I’m taking it slow and day by day. It’s definitely a week-by-week thing.”

The 30-year-old admitted that being sidelined has been difficult, especially after establishing himself as the team’s leader. “It’s tough to be out,” he continues. “I know how much work I put in and what I mean to this team. The worst part is not being out there with the guys.”

Rockets Value VanVleet’s Veteran Leadership

Known for his meticulous preparation and professionalism, VanVleet’s embraced a mentorship role with Houston’s young guards. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka praised the guard’s leadership, noting how he “sets a daily standard” even while sidelined. Despite being unable to play, he’s remained fully engaged, attending team practices and shootarounds to support teammates such as Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson.

With that in mind, both of the Rockets’ young playmakers have assumed greater ball-handling responsibilities in his absence. Thompson has even been starting at point guard after primarily playing in the frontcourt last season. As a result, the veteran’s continued involvement helps stabilize a Rockets backcourt that has experienced early-season inconsistency.