Jan 15, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) and head coach Ime Udoka look on in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

'This Changes the Whole Dynamic of Their Team' – Houston Rockets Urged to Consider Sensational Reunion With Former MVP

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 10:28 AM ET

The Houston Rockets will be without their starting point guard for the foreseeable future, as Fred VanVleet recently tore his ACL during an offseason workout.

As things stand, the Houston Rockets will rely on Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson to fill the void. However, according to former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague, the team should target Russell Westbrook, who is still a free agent.

“I think this changed the whole dynamic of their team… (They) got to (acquire Russell Westbrook),” Teague said on the Club 520 podcast. “They’re probably gonna put Amen Thompson at the point, and let him bring up the ball or whatever. I mean, I’m Reed Sheppard, obviously, he’s good enough to play. He can shoot the basketball just as good as Fred VanVleet.

May 18, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) runs down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second quarter during game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

“He’s not the same kind of defender, but he can play defense. He’s obviously not a vet. He’s not been through the wars, not a champion, and he’s not been through those battles like VanVleet, but I think he’d be a cool stand-in for a while,” he added.

Analyst makes Russell Westbrook pitch to the Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets must make a trade first to sign a free agent to fill in for the injured Fred VanVleet. And once they do, Bleacher Report’s Andrew Peters suggests the team should go after Russell Westbrook.

Mar 23, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) defends as Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) controls the ball during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

“Russell Westbrook had a hard time finding his role in the NBA once he lost his status as a perennial MVP candidate, but he’s now emerged as a strong player off the bench. Last season with the Denver Nuggets, he put up 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game, mostly coming off the bench,” Peters wrote.

“The Rockets could bring Westbrook back to Houston and either grant him the starting job or allow Reed Sheppard to assume that role while having a reliable backup. Not to mention, signing with the Rockets would give Westbrook and Durant another chance to go for a championship,” he added.