Apr 4, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka coaches against the Golden State Warriors in the second half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

'We Got a Lot of Capable Pieces' – Houston Rockets’ Ime Udoka Drops Team’s Unusual Plan to Cope Without Fred VanVleet

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 9, 2025 12:38 AM ET

The Houston Rockets have a glaring hole in the backcourt following Fred VanVleet’s devastating knee injury this offseason. However, head coach Ime Udoka doesn’t seem to be too concerned with his point guard’s extended absence.

During a recent interview, Udoka expressed confidence in the Houston Rockets’ depth, as he believes in the playmaking of the rest of VanVleet’s teammates, including Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, Alperen Sengun, and Kevin Durant.

“I think it will be different guys kind of thrust into a role. For instance, Reed (Sheppard), you take Amen (Thompson), guys that have done it some with Fred being out at times on a smaller stage. We really leaned on (VanVleet) the first few years to be that experience, that IQ out there at the point guard spot,” Udoka said via ESPN’s Michael C. Wright.

December 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka instructs during practice prior to the Emirates NBA Cup semi-finals at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

“But I think it’ll just be a committee, honestly, like different guys initiating offense. (Alperen Sengun) is a center that you can run a lot of things through. Kevin as well, with the attention he attracts. So, it may not be the traditional point guard way, but we’ve got a lot of capable pieces out there to get it done,” he added.

Houston Rockets News: Former G League MVP makes strong case for more playing time

The Houston Rockets won 122-113 against the Atlanta Hawks in their preseason opener, and one player has stood out for Ime Udoka. Former G League MVP JD Davison contributed 17 points, three rebounds, and four assists on 6-for-9 shooting in 22 minutes off the bench.

Sep 29, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard JD Davison (4) poses for a picture during Houston Rockets media day at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

“He’s been great. Very aggressive, handles it well, makes good decisions out of the pick and roll. He’s a big body who can pick up full court, so he brings aggression on both sides of the ball,” Udoka said about Davison via Ben DuBose of the Rockets Wire.

Marquee acquisition Kevin Durant did not play on Monday, but the two-time NBA champion is expected to feature in the team’s second friendly match against the Utah Jazz.