Fred VanVleet’s expected return gives the Rockets their familiar starting point guard back, but Houston still has to solve the backup plan. With the veteran set to reclaim the job once the regular season begins, the real question is what happens if he isn’t available early on.
Ime Udoka has already signaled that VanVleet will slide back into Houston’s starting role, a sensible move after the 2022 All-Star selection got back on the floor last week. In his preseason outing against the Dallas Mavericks, VanVleet played 24 minutes and finished with 17 points and seven assists. That’s the kind of steady production Houston wants guiding a young roster.
Still, there’s no guarantee he’ll be ready for every game right away. If VanVleet has to miss time, the Rockets would need someone in the backcourt to hold things together while they try to build on last season’s 52-30 record.
One view is that Amen Thompson should get the first crack at the spot. “You know what, If Fred gets injured, then I’m picking Amen Thompson to step up as the starting point guard.
I know Marcus Smart is the more reasonable option, but I think Amen gives Houston the most upside with his size, athleticism, defense, and ability to create for others. He's already shown flashes as a playmaker, and I would love to see him get more opportunities running the offense alongside Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun.
I would rather have Smart come off the bench and lead the second unit and preserve his minutes throughout the season. Another option could be Reed Sheppard, but I think he’s better suited as a shooting guard.
He can slot in for Thompson and actually be a starter if VanVleet is injured. Houston has enough ball-handlers and playmakers to make it work.”
That logic runs into a different argument, though, one that favors the safest veteran answer. “The temptation might be to start Sheppard, because he filled the role last season, but it makes the most sense to keep him in a bench role where he can get comfortable.
So that eliminates the option that my colleague expresses above. Keep it simple: let the veteran Smart fill in.
He doesn't necessarily need to do things the way Van Vleet might, but he's started plenty of games in his career.
Sheppard and Bogdan Bogdanovic can play off each other in the reserve group. If Van Vleet misses extended time, Houston may need to go playmaker shopping. They don't want to be stuck in the situation they fell into last postseason, where they could hardly get into offensive sets against a weakened Lakers squad.”
So even with VanVleet expected to lead the Rockets from the opening tip, Houston’s guard rotation already has a clear stress test attached to it. If the starter has to sit, the Rockets have options - Thompson’s upside, Smart’s experience, Sheppard’s comfort - and plenty to think about before the season gets rolling.
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Ime Udoka praised Smarts experience and leadership afterward, pointing to the way he can help steady a young group while adding to the teams defense and overall depth. For a Rockets team trying to sharpen its guard rotation early in the season, Smarts arrival already looks like more than just an extra veteran voice. [Read more 🡒]
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Rockets Young Core Made This Loss More Interesting Than It Looks
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Marcus Smart led Houston with 20 points, and Reed Sheppard added 17, though the rookie also had five turnovers in the kind of game that can sharpen the edges of a young roster. With the team set to return home for its next preseason matchup against the Thunder, the Rockets will have a better sense soon of how much of that energy translates when the lineup gets closer to full strength. [Read more 🡒]