The Houston Rockets’ offseason took an unfortunate turn when Fred VanVleet suffered an ACL injury during a team minicamp organized by him. While such a setback would rattle most players, VanVleet has approached it with confidence, showing fans and teammates that his determination is keeping him going. Even in recovery, the veteran guard is showing his championship mindset with his latest post.

Recently, on X, VanVleet shared a video of him reading fan comments on the way to his surgery, and recording from the hospital, said, “We gon get that Houston ring,” following which he was seen walking on crutches. The clip captured his refusal to let an injury decide the team’s season, giving the Rockets locker-room a dose of optimism during a challenging start.

Last season, VanVleet averaged 14.1 points and 5.6 assists, serving as the veteran floor general for a surging team filled with young talent, providing stability and late-game shot creation. Now, without his steady production, the Rockets lack a reliable playmaker in the backcourt, but his own reaction shows a sense of control and the grit to come back stronger, reframing the narrative around his resilience.

VanVleet’s absence will require Houston’s young guards, Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard, to take on new roles to try to replace VanVleet’s primary creation and spot-up shooting. The team will see a lot of rotation and spacing adjustments, especially in the clutch, where VanVleet’s experience is invaluable. Additionally, the Rockets have to be careful not to overburden Kevin Durant with playmaking responsibilities, which was a primary reason for the Phoenix Suns’ failure with him in the past.

Looking to the future, the Rockets will have to monitor VanVleet’s rehab closely; his leadership and determination as a veteran leader have been a major factor in setting the tone for the success of the team. But according to one NBA legend, the Rockets might not need him for a championship push.

Gilbert Arenas Downplays VanVleet’s Impact

Gilbert Arenas recently spoke out about VanVleet’s injury and suggested that his impact was limited. “He was someone I was sacrificing anyway for the betterment of that team. Meaning that I wouldn’t have signed him back. I would have traded him or got something for him, let him go,” he said, making it clear that he viewed the guard as a trade chip.

Arenas also added VanVleet wouldn’t necessarily have the ball in his hands because his expertise is minute compared to Durant’s scoring. Arenas said, “The ball will be in Kevin Durant’s hand in the half court, VanVleet becomes basically a Derek Fisher. There’s a guy who’s going to sit in a corner and wait for the open shot and make great plays.” Derek Fisher was a reliable veteran role-player for the Lakers, who, once the ball went to Kobe or Shaq, went to the corners as a floor spacer, letting the all-time greats go to work.

Strategically, Houston’s coaching staff can lean on taller lineups and more offense-centered sets around Durant, letting Sheppard and Thompson get more reps in the lead guard spot. While the Rockets will need to find ways to ensure proper perimeter shooting, Arenas’ comments highlight that the team remains a legitimate contender even after the setback.