Rockets are severely handcuffed in efforts to replace Fred VanVleet

The Houston Rockets' championship aspirations were dealt a huge blow on Monday afternoon.

Fred VanVleet suffered a season-ending ACL injury, leaving the team severely undermanned at point guard.

On paper, the course of action should be quite simple. They just need to find him a replacement. In reality, however, it might not be possible.

As pointed out by NBA analyst Paulo Alves, the Rockets will most likely have to wait until Dec. 15 to enter the market for another point guard.

"They cannot sign more minimum guys without trading away salary. They cannot use the Disabled Player Exception, because it would take them over the 1st Apron. They cannot trade Adams, Fred, Capela, DFS, Jabari, Okogie, Tate, Aaron Holiday or Jeff Green until Dec 15th. The only possible way of acquiring a PG would be trading Amen, Reed, Sengun, KD or Tari Eason," Alves explained on X. 

Of course, they're not even going to consider trading Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, Kevin Durant, Reed Sheppard or Tari Eason, so that's off the table.

Per NBA analyst Keith Smith, they can't waive-and-stretch any player, either, as the deadline to do so was August 31. 

What can the Rockets do to replace Fred VanVleet?

That essentially leaves Ime Udoka's team with three options.

They can put the ball in Amen Thompson's hands. He's not a natural floor general or creator, but he's a solid ball-handler with a high basketball IQ. They can also give Reed Sheppard more responsibilities. He's got a high ceiling as a three-point shooter, but his defense might be a concern for a defensive-oriented team. Or they can simply try to replicate what other teams have done and play without a traditional point guard. They have several above-average shot-creators.

Even so, that might be the worst choice, as Durant's Phoenix Suns found out first-hand. 

Whatever the case, one thing's for sure: They'll be in the mix for a point guard at some point. They just need to hold down the fort for a couple of months first.