The Houston Rockets executed one of the boldest offseason moves in recent memory, pulling off a blockbuster deal to land Kevin Durant and immediately vaulting themselves into the contender tier. With a 52–30 record last season and a roster full of young talent, the Rockets were already on the up. However, add KD into the mix, and we have a team that may as well put the rest of the NBA on notice. Which is why the news about Fred VanVleet’s ACL tear, which happened during a workout in the Bahamas, hurts even more.

For a team that lacked depth at point guard to begin with, this was a body blow. The Rockets are already nearing the first luxury tax apron and do not have the space to sign an actual replacement. VanVleet’s absence means the Rockets now have a guard rotation comprised of Aaron Holiday, Amen Thompson, and Reed Sheppard. However, multiple NBA Insiders believe two of those three names may hold the key for Houston, 

As Brian Windhorst, Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon discussed on The Hoop Collective, Amen Thompson, who has predominantly played as a forward in his first two seasons, has the skillset to drop in at PG. MacMahon noted, “I think the best comp for Amen Thompson, who hasn’t played a lot of point guard yet, but when he was drafted was considered a big point guard—I think the best comp for him is early career Ben Simmons without the BS. And I’m not talking about his initials. You know, without the, just, you know, issues and diva tendencies, I’ll say.”

Thompson averaged 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game while shooting at 57.5% overall from the field. That for Tim Bontemps is enough evidence of a potential All-Star selection for next year. “I think this injury is going to have Amen Thompson make the All-Star team, because he’s going to have the ball in his hands all the time.”

MacMahon then spoke of Reed Sheppard’s G-League flashes. “When he went down to the League, put up huge numbers. Didn’t really crack the Rockets rotation, but they were planning on Reed Sheppard playing a significant role this season. That role, obviously, is now going to have to be more significant.”

Sheppard, the No. 3 pick in 2024, is also bound to get more minutes. He just 4.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 12.6 minutes per game, with a 35% field goal and 33% three-point shooting efficiency. However in the three games he started, Sheppard produced 19.7 points per game in three starts while shooting at over 52% from the three-point zone.

Meanwhile, Thompson’s usage rate, at 18.5% last season, will spike as he becomes the primary ball-handler. Sheppard, with a 17.8% usage rate in 52 games, must find consistency off the bench or possibly as a starter. Aaron Holiday, a reliable backup averaging 5.5 points and 1.3 assists, is the safer option, but as MacMahon put it, “the safe, solid option would be going with Aaron Holiday… a poor man’s VanVleet type of guy.” Houston’s ceiling, however, lies with Thompson and Sheppard, according to the insider. If Thompson pushes toward 20 points and 6 to 7 assists while maintaining elite defense, he’s a strong Most Improved Player candidate.

VanVleet’s absence leaves a gaping hole at point guard. The 31-year-old, who averaged 14.9 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds last season while starting all 133 games he played over two years in Houston, was the steady hand guiding Ime Udoka’s offense. Regardless, the bigger issue might still prove to be KD’s long-term future.

How long does Durant stay in Houston?

Kevin Durant’s arrival was supposed to elevate Houston to contender status. The 37-year-old, averaging 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists last season, brings elite scoring and versatility. But his contract, expiring after the 2025-26 season, creates uncertainty. As The Athletic’s William Guillory reports, “All signs point to Durant inking some form of an extension in the coming weeks that will tie him to Houston for the foreseeable future.”

Yet, with Houston prioritizing a Tari Eason extension by the October 20 deadline and navigating the first apron, Durant’s deal is likely below the $121 million max for two years, which remains unsigned. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon notes the Rockets’ caution to avoid CBA restrictions, especially with Thompson’s future extension looming.

Durant’s comments at the CNBC x Boardroom’s GamePlan 2025 Summit reflect mixed emotions about his Phoenix exit: “I was a little upset because, you know. I felt like we built a solid relationship, me and the Phoenix Suns. To hear that from a different party was kind of upsetting.” Despite this, Durant orchestrated his move to Houston, signaling his commitment. However, VanVleet’s injury complicates Durant’s role. Without a reliable point guard, he’ll face increased defensive pressure, though his isolation scoring and playmaking should ease the burden on Thompson.