In a season marked by significant roster upheaval and unforeseen injuries, veteran guard Fred VanVleet recently offered an insightful retrospective on the Houston Rockets' 2025-26 campaign. His commentary provides a unique perspective on how the team navigated a period of intense change, ultimately achieving outcomes that surpassed initial projections despite numerous obstacles.
During a candid discussion on his personal podcast, 'Unguarded,' VanVleet detailed the dramatic alterations to the Rockets' starting lineup. He pointed out that four key starters—himself, Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and Steven Adams—were effectively removed from the active roster. This dramatic shift meant that the team, with the addition of Kevin Durant, became an entirely new entity overnight. VanVleet highlighted the lack of preparation time, noting that he sustained an injury before practice even began, preventing the revamped squad from establishing any cohesion. The team's tactical approach and foundational structure also underwent complete transformations, adding layers of complexity to an already challenging situation.
VanVleet's own season was cut short by a leg injury in September, while Adams followed suit with another season-ending leg injury in January. Brooks and Green were part of a trade package that sent them to the Phoenix Suns in the deal that brought Kevin Durant to Houston. Despite these major disruptions, the Rockets concluded the season with an impressive 52-30 record, securing a first-round playoff berth. This performance mirrored their previous season's record and playoff outcome, even without the full complement of their original key players.
Reflecting on these results, VanVleet expressed a lack of disappointment, stating that if he had been told in September that he would miss the entire season, Adams a significant portion, and the team would still win 52 games and push the Los Angeles Lakers to six games in the playoffs without Durant, he would have found it acceptable. He acknowledged the emotional rollercoaster for fans and players, citing blown leads and inconsistent performances, but underscored the importance of focusing on the positives. These included Durant's impressive health throughout the season, the significant development of Amen Thompson as a full-time point guard, and Reed Sheppard's substantial progress. VanVleet also praised the growth of Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr., along with Tari Eason's emergence in a more prominent role.
Looking ahead, the Rockets anticipate the full recovery of both VanVleet and Adams before the 2026-27 training camp. With a potentially more stable roster and the invaluable lessons learned from a turbulent yet ultimately successful season, there is a strong sense of optimism that the team can build on their progress and aim for a higher standing in the Western Conference.
Fred VanVleet's reflections underscore the resilience and adaptability of the Houston Rockets in a season fraught with unexpected challenges. Despite significant roster changes and key player injuries, the team managed to maintain a competitive edge and foster considerable individual growth among its younger talent. This experience, though demanding, has provided a strong foundation for future development, positioning the Rockets to build on their accomplishments in the upcoming seasons.
