Fred VanVleet shined in first NBA action since 2024-25 season

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Fred VanVleet shined in first NBA action since 2024-25 season

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 9, 2026 11:51 AM ET

Fred VanVleet is finally back on the basketball court after a lengthy absence while recovering from an ACL injury suffered in training camp last season.

The Houston Rockets point guard returned to action for the first time since the 2025 NBA Playoffs, marking a significant step in his recovery and giving Houston a welcome boost as it prepares for the upcoming season.

Fred VanVleet looked sharp in preseason action

VanVleet took the floor on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks, and it looked like he hadn't missed a beat. In 24 minutes, he scored 17 points and dished out seven assists. VanVleet also made an impact defensively, collecting two steals.

All 12 of VanVleet's shot attempts were from three-point range and he knocked down five of them. The excellent three-point shooting was a welcome sight, as it continued a trend of the last time VanVleet was on the floor in the 2024-25 postseason when he shot 43.5% from three-point range.

Welcome back, @FredVanVleet!

In his 2026 preseason debut for the Rockets...

17 PTS
7 AST
2 STL
5 3PM

The @HoustonRockets defeat the Mavericks in Game 1 of the NBA China Games! pic.twitter.com/c0AelBqLWG
— NBA (@NBA) October 9, 2026

BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK TRIPLES.

Fred VanVleet wasting no time scoring in his return to the @HoustonRockets pic.twitter.com/MScFL2qXf3
— NBA (@NBA) October 9, 2026

The return of Fred VanVleet should help boost Houston's offense

At this stage of his career, VanVleet is going to spend most of time shooting from beyond the arc and as a 37.1% career three-point shooter, that could be a welcome addition to the Houston offense.

Last season, the Rockets ranked 10th in the NBA in three-point percentage (36.4%), something that eventually alluded them in the playoffs when they shot 32.2% in a first-round loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

VanVleet's addition back to the offense and his ability to shoot from three-point range should be a benefit to Houston's offense and have it positioned to reach the NBA playoffs for a third consecutive season.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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