VanVleet has successfully undergone ligament surgery! Shepherd and Amen may start as partners; Rockets could reinforce roster as early as January

On September 26 Beijing time, the Rockets officially announced that VanVleet underwent successful surgery today to repair his right knee anterior cruciate ligament. Previous reports indicated he is likely to miss most of the 2025-26 season, and possibly the entire season. VanVleet suffered the severe ACL tear during the team’s mini-camp held in the Bahamas.

In the 2024-25 season, VanVleet played 60 games for the Rockets, averaging 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. He not only led the team in average assists and steals but also played a vital leadership role in the locker room, providing experience and support to the young Rockets squad.

Furthermore, VanVleet was elected as the NBA Players Association president this July, serving a four-year term. This serious injury not only affects his playing career but may also impact his responsibilities within the players’ union.

For the Rockets, this injury is undoubtedly a “devastating blow” before the season starts—the team has lost the core player at the starting point guard position. During the offseason, VanVleet had just signed a two-year, $50 million extension with the Rockets, originally planning to play alongside newly acquired Durant as a “veteran duo” leading the young team toward better results. His absence now forces the Rockets to urgently adjust their roster—

Most likely pairing two young players in the starting backcourt: Shepherd and Amen Thompson, who will need to quickly take on the dual responsibilities of organizing the offense and scoring.

At the same time, elevating the roles of other players such as Alonzo Holiday and Jabari Smith Jr., who will need to fill in minutes during rotations and provide steady contributions.

According to Sportrac reporter Keith Smith’s analysis, the Rockets currently lack sufficient salary cap space to sign new players to strengthen the roster. The earliest opportunity to add reinforcements via exceptions or trades may come in January next year, the mid-to-late season period.