Fred VanVleet is also targeting a return this season

Fred VanVleet gave his news this weekend, for the launch of his new podcast, “Unguarded”the first episode of which is already available. Recorded ten days ago, exactly two months after surgery, this episode allows to the 31-year-old leadervictim of a ruptured cruciate ligament before the start of training camp, in order to experience a more peaceful recovery while maintaining a direct connection with his fans.

With two months of rehab already in his legs, the person in question is pretty relieved and is happy with the way the Rockets are handling his absence, both in terms of content and results.

“November 20th marks eight weeks since my surgery. And here I am, on my feet”he said. “I’m taking it day by day. The team is doing well. A lot of people were wondering what it would be like without a real point guard, who would do what, things like that. But we only talk about it when we lose or we’re bad. When you’re good, nobody thinks about Freddie W. Everyone reacts too quickly to everything, but that’s with social media, the team is the end of the world, and that’s the end of the day. so »

A question of motivation

Like his teammates Kyrie Irving or Jayson Tatum, seriously injured at the end of last season, Fred VanVleet found where to draw his motivation during rehabilitation: he set himself the goal of returning before the end of the financial year 2025/26. Without putting too much pressure on yourself, in case the timing is too tight.

“That’s why I’m pushing. Nothing is guaranteed, but that’s what I’m aiming for, that’s for sure. And then the guys work on the ground.”he continued. “I know what I can add, what I can bring. So it gives me something to think about and keep me motivated as I go through the rehab. It’s a tough process and it makes me want to come back as soon as possible. But I don’t want to put that pressure on myself now, it’s still a little early. But I’ll definitely try to come back, that’s clear.”

The Rockets could claim an envelope to cover his absence (“Disabled Player Exception”), provided it is extended through the end of the season, but have not yet activated this option, leaving the door open for a possible return. Fred VanVleet’s case could be reevaluated in the coming weeks by the medical staff of the Texas franchise, who will make the final decision. In the meantime, FVV can always hope.

Disabled Player Exception : when a franchise loses a player for an extended period of time, it can ask the NBA to grant it a financial envelope to recruit the player. This “exemption”, granted after a review of the medical record, allows the injured player’s salary to be disregarded and a contract to be offered to his replacement, in the amount of 50% of the injured player’s salary. With the envelope, you can sign a free player or a player on the cut list, but also make a transfer. The contract duration of a player acquired by exception cannot exceed one year and only one player can be acquired with this envelope.