In a recent episode of his Unguarded podcast, Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet candidly shared the story of his significant knee injury from last fall. VanVleet, who missed the entire season, recounted the moment during a team retreat in the Bahamas when he tore both his ACL and meniscus.
At the time, VanVleet was in the midst of an impressive workout, demonstrating to his younger teammates the impact of having a player like Kevin Durant in the offense. But as he drove into the lane, his knee gave out, and he described the moment as feeling like a "shotgun blow."
Initially, VanVleet tried to downplay the severity of the injury, convincing himself it might only keep him out for a few weeks, maybe just missing the first preseason game. However, reality hit hard when he awoke from a nap to find his knee swollen to the size of a basketball. Even after an MRI confirmed the damage, VanVleet struggled to accept the diagnosis, initially refusing to believe he had torn his ACL.
Despite the setback, VanVleet is determined to return to the court with renewed vigor and a "chip on my shoulder." He sees this challenge as another chapter in his story, one that will ultimately make it more compelling. "I've got another 10 in me," he confidently stated, indicating his intention to come back stronger.
In other news from the Southwest Division, the Houston Rockets made a strategic move by trading up to the 31st pick in the draft. They received glowing reviews for Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton, who was highly ranked on their draft board. Thornton's ability to score in various ways and his impressive statistics, including being in the 98th percentile for effective field goal percentage and 93rd percentile in assist-to-turnover ratio, caught the Rockets' attention.
Meanwhile, Cameron Boozer, selected with the third pick, expressed his ambitions for the Memphis Grizzlies in a conversation with Michael Wallace of Grind City Media. Boozer emphasized his winning mentality, stating, "You play the game to win.
That’s what I’ve done at every level. I hope to bring that to Memphis."
His comments highlight his commitment to transforming the Grizzlies into a formidable force in the league.
In Other News...
Rockets May Finally Have A Shot At The Wing They Need
The trade market around wings has changed enough that Houston can at least entertain a swing it might have considered unrealistic a few weeks ago. Recent blockbuster deals have reset expectations across the league, and that matters for a team like the Rockets, who could use another versatile perimeter piece to sharpen the roster around its young core.
New Orleans had been asking for a huge haul before the deadline, but that kind of price may no longer be the standard. If the Pelicans are forced to come off that number, Houston could start looking at a package built around Reed Sheppard and draft capital, with the appeal coming from a player who can defend, score in more than one way, and space the floor. For now, it remains only a possibility, but it is the sort of opening that can change a teams offseason fast. [Read more 🡒]
Fred VanVleet Just Forced A Major Rockets Backcourt Decision
Fred VanVleets return to Houston just got a lot clearer, and the timing matters for a Rockets backcourt that has already spent months sorting out its future. VanVleet had been a central piece for the team since 2023 before a torn ACL wiped out his 2025-26 season, leaving Houston to navigate a key stretch without one of its most experienced guards.
According to ESPNs Shams Charania, VanVleet is set to come back for the 2026-27 season on a $25 million player option, giving the Rockets stability now and another contractual layer to manage later. He will be an unrestricted free agent in 2027, and after weeks of speculation about whether Houston might try to reshape the deal again, the bigger question is how the team balances VanVleets place in the rotation with the rest of its guard situation. [Read more 🡒]
Rockets Summer League Schedule Sets Up A Big Test For Young Talent
The Rockets 2026 Summer League slate gives their young group an early measuring stick, with matchups lined up against the Nuggets, Raptors, 76ers and Nets. Houston is looking to take a step forward after last years 1-4 showing, when the team never really found traction and had to settle for a short stay in Las Vegas.
This summer also brings a roster with some fresh intrigue, including former Purdue big man Oscar Cluff already confirmed on the list. The bigger question is how the rest of the group comes together around him, and whether Houston can do enough in those four games to put itself in position for the postseason portion of Summer League instead of being left to play out the schedule. [Read more 🡒]