Image Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Fred VanVleet Injury Update: Houston Rockets Guard Tears ACL, 2025-26 NBA Season in Doubt

Fred VanVleet is scheduled to undergo surgery this week.

Image Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

The NB A is gearing up for another exciting season, with teams and players participating in the training camps. While fans cannot wait to see their favorite players back in action, that might not be the case with Fred VanVleet fans. The Rockets received an off-season blow as their star guard VanVleet suffered a torn ACL during the team’s mini-camp in the Bahamas. He is scheduled to undergo surgery this week.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, VanVleet is likely to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 NBA season. Set to enter his 10th season in the league, the 2022 All-Star finished the last season with an average of 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game across 60 appearances. He was shooting 37.8% from the field, 34.5% from beyond the arc, and 81.0% from the free-throw line. Not only this, but he also led his side in assists per game.

Just in: Houston Rockets' Fred VanVleet has suffered a torn ACL, sources tell ESPN. A devastating, potentially season-ending loss for the Rockets with their starting point guard and leader. pic.twitter.com/Qhf0V58DwR
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 22, 2025

What Does Fred VanVleet Injury Mean for Houston Rockets?

The Rockets, who suffered a first-round exit from the Golden State Warriors in NBA Playoffs 2024-25, signed VanVleet in 2023. It was a three-year deal worth $130 million. In June 2025, VanVleet re-signed with the Rockets for a two-year $50 million contract, and was expected to deliver a remarkable season along with former Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant. During his two seasons with the Rockets, the 31-year-old has guided the side from being a lottery club to a playoff contender.

After a busy offseason, Houston had big hopes of making it to the next few rounds in the playoffs. Now that doubts loom over his participation in the upcoming season, the franchise would want Amen Thomposon to step in as a lead playmaker. While he was already expected to take on a larger role following the departure of Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green, VanVleet’s injury will make it even bigger.

It goes without saying that VanVleet was a key part of the Rockets’ roster. Though his numbers dipped over the years and he recorded his lowest shooting percentage since becoming a full-time starter, he has shown his veteran presence on court. His injury definitely comes off as a brutal blow for the Rockets, but with names such as Durant, Thompson, Reed Shepard, and more, the franchise is expected to fare well.

Fred VanVleet

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.