The Houston Rockets are taking a measured approach following Fred VanVleet’s devastating ACL injury, which leaves a significant void in the team’s backcourt heading into the new season. With financial and roster constraints, the Rockets are unlikely to make any immediate moves, opting instead to evaluate their young talent over the coming months.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Houston’s options are limited due to cap restrictions.
“The word out of Houston is that the Rockets will use the next few months to evaluate both recent No. 3 pick Reed Sheppard and standout swingman Amen Thompson in greater ballhandling capacities before Trade Season truly begins Dec. 15,” Fischer wrote in The Stein Line newsletter.
Sheppard Poised for Expanded Role
Getty Reed Sheppard of the Houston Rockets reacts after scoring a three-pointer against the Utah Jazz.
Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick last year, had a quiet rookie season, averaging just 4.4 points on 35.1% shooting and 33.8% from three in 12.6 minutes across 52 games. Buried behind VanVleet, Jalen Green, Thompson, Dillon Brooks and Aaron Holiday, Sheppard rarely saw meaningful minutes.
However, roster changes during the offseason, including trades of Green and Brooks, have opened the door for Sheppard to assume a larger role. VanVleet’s injury now leaves a potential pathway for the former Kentucky standout to step into the starting point guard position, giving him his first extended opportunity to run Houston’s offense.
Thompson’s Athleticism Under Spotlight
Getty Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets dunks the ball against the Golden State Warriors.
While Sheppard may inherit the starting point guard role, attention is also on Thompson, whose explosive athleticism has intrigued the Rockets’ front office. Fischer noted, “There is no shortage of support in the Rockets’ organization for putting the ball in Thompson’s hands more to see what he can do on the open floor.”
Thompson’s first playoff appearance underscored his potential, as he averaged 15.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.9 blocks in a Game 7 loss to the Golden State Warriors. His defense against elite stars such as Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green was a bright spot for Houston, and he finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting with averages of 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.
NBA.com’s Steve Aschburner recently listed Amen, alongside his twin brother, Ausar of the Detroit Pistons, as potential first-time All-Stars this season if he continues refining his offensive game.
“The athletic ability of these twins is off the charts, so if either develops a more reliable offensive package, he could accompany an All-Star teammate — [Alperen] Şengün or [Cade] Cunningham, respectively—as his team’s second choice,” Aschburner wrote.
Rockets Explore Additional Options
Beyond Sheppard and Thompson, the Rockets are considering other strategies to compensate for VanVleet’s absence. Fischer also added that the team hopes to also run the offense through big man Şengün and newly acquired Kevin Durant.
Houston’s plan emphasizes patience and development over rash roster moves. With trade restrictions keeping most of their players unavailable until December or January, the organization is focused on internal solutions and allowing their young core to grow.
With Sheppard and Thompson poised for expanded roles and a roster still anchored by rising stars like Şengün and veteran star Durant, Houston is adopting a deliberate strategy to navigate a challenging backcourt landscape while planning for both the short and long-term future.
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