Fred VanVleet, wounded but not shot

Undoubtedly it is the a heavy blow that is Rockets. last month, Fred VanVleet be it like this rupture of the cruciate ligament while training in the Bahamas and this right knee injury risks him missing the entire 2025/26 financial year.

« I was so excited and I was probably in the best shape of my life before this season, I was really excited to get off to a good start… » regret the one who was supposed to be the water carrier for Houston. « So it was really hard to take the injury at that time. (…) It is very difficult to be away. Compared to all the effort I’ve put in and what I mean to this team… The worst part is that I can’t be on the field with the guys right now and contribute. »

Fred VanVleet hasn’t missed many games since his NBA debut extended for two years during the summer and above all he was a perfect relay on the field for Ime Udoka. Who has become Axis of light.

« I won’t stop talking » warns the champion of 2019. « I will always be able to share everything I see, I will try to help manage everyone’s emotions, even if nothing replaces being on earth. My leadership and what I bring, the coaching, it all makes sense just because I’m playing. So I’ll do my part until I play. There are a lot of things I can help with between matches, in training, and I will continue to do so. But everything takes on even more weight when you can play… »

With or without the ball, he will lead the team

As a seasoned veteran, Fred VanVleet already knows that “ not everything will be perfect » from start to finish for the Rockets, but he will make sure to help young Amen Thompson and Reid Shepard, who should replace him as best they can in the coming months. While his team had a record of 11 wins and 11 losses, when he did not play last season.

« I think Reed is finding some aggression, character and fighting spirit. As for Amen, he is true to himself, trying to do many things at once » analyzes former Raptors. ” It’s going to be a long-term job, but I’m proud of these guys, all of them. They really study the game and they’re two of the hardest workers I know, so there’s no way they’re going to fail. »

With any luck, Houston might find Fred VanVleet along the way. ” I don’t have a specific schedule » assures the person in question, who will not be in a hurry. ” Just take it easy, day by day, week by week, and we’ll see where I’m at towards the end of the season. »

But “FVV” is already aware of one thing: ” I will come back much better, as a person, as a player and in relation to everything else » he finishes, confident. ” This is how I approach things and who I am as a person. The rehabilitation phase is slow, we took so much for granted… But the opportunity to start from scratch makes me have no doubt that I will come back more complete and better, as a player and as a person. »

But as for the Rockets, we’re about to go without Fred VanVleet as the team would have to claim a “disabled player exception” to replace him. Envelope approved only in case of full season package.

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.