Fred VanVleet says the finish line is in sight for his return, and the Rockets guard believes he’ll be ready when Houston opens the 2026-27 season in October.
VanVleet missed the entire 2025-26 campaign after tearing the ACL in his right knee in September 2025, but his update at the NBA’s 2026 summer league sounded encouraging. Speaking with Space City Home Network’s Vanessa Richardson, he said:
“It’s going great, I’m right on track. I’m getting stronger and getting better.
It’s a slow process. I’m eager and ready to get back out there, but I’ve got to follow protocols. So, I should be good for the start of the season.”
That timeline fits the usual recovery window for an ACL tear, which for NBA players is generally nine to 12 months. By the time 2026-27 training camp arrives, VanVleet will be just beyond the far end of that range.
He described the rehab grind as exactly that - a grind. Asked about the process, VanVleet said:
“Just getting stronger and trying to get the leg back right. Long days, two-a-days, but we’ve got a great rehab team with the training staff. It’s been a journey, for sure, but I’m ready to get back on the court.”
If he’s cleared, Houston can start piecing together a group that looks built to contend right away. The likely opening five would feature VanVleet alongside Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun.
The bench picture also has shape to it. Reed Sheppard, Tari Eason, Steven Adams, and newly signed guard Marcus Smart are all expected to be part of Ime Udoka’s rotation.
VanVleet’s value to the Rockets has already been clear over his two seasons in Houston, from 2023-24 through 2024-25. He averaged 15.9 points, 6.9 assists, and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 36.9% from 3-point range. He also kept the ball secure, averaging just 1.6 turnovers in 36.1 minutes per game, and his defense and leadership have long been major parts of his appeal.
Houston is coming off back-to-back 52-30 regular seasons, but both ended with first-round exits in the Western Conference playoffs. Internally, the idea is straightforward: put Durant next to a steady floor general like VanVleet and cut down on the turnover issues and late-game problems that hurt the team last season.
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