Rockets Won’t Panic After Fred VanVleet ACL

Fred VanVleet suffered a torn ACL right before camp, but Houston isn’t rushing to replace him — Jake Fischer says the Rockets won’t make any “reactionary moves.” Apron cap rules limit veteran signings unless they clear space, so Houston plans to lean on internal options (No. 3 pick Reed Sheppard, Aaron Holiday, Amen Thompson) to handle playmaking alongside Kevin Durant. VanVleet posted a video vowing to “knock out his rehab,” yet the loss still complicates a roster built to chase a title after a 52-win season. Merlin sees a patient club testing its young pieces in real time. Dec. 15, when offseason movers become trade-eligible, is the faint portal that could change plans; if Sheppard and company steady Durant, the Rockets keep their path, but if they don’t, the front office may rearrange the constellation once rules allow.