The Houston Rockets are facing a major setback for the upcoming 2025-26 season, as point guard Fred VanVleet is expected to be out due to injury. This news has left the team and its fans in a state of shock, as VanVleet has been a key player for the Rockets in recent years. With his absence, the Rockets’ plans for the season could be completely derailed. However, all hope is not lost for the team as they have some potential options to fill the void left by VanVleet.
Renowned sports analyst Bill Simmons recently shared his thoughts on five potential stars who the Rockets could acquire to replace VanVleet. Let’s take a look at these players and how they could potentially help the Rockets.
First on the list is Kyle Lowry from the Toronto Raptors. Lowry would make an excellent addition to the Rockets’ roster, bringing his experience and leadership to the team. He has proven his worth in high-pressure situations and could be a great mentor for the younger players on the team. However, acquiring Lowry would not be an easy task as the Raptors would be reluctant to let go of their star player.
Next up is Goran Dragic from the Miami Heat. Dragic is a prolific scorer and a playmaker, making him a perfect fit for the Rockets’ fast-paced style of play. His ability to create shots for himself and his teammates would be a valuable asset for the team. Moreover, Dragic has a good relationship with Rockets head coach Stephen Silas, which could potentially work in their favor.
The third player on Simmons’ list is Kemba Walker from the Boston Celtics. Walker is a dynamic point guard with a deadly three-point shot. He has been a consistent performer over the years and could be a great fit in the Rockets’ system. However, the Celtics may not be eager to part ways with their star point guard, making it difficult for the Rockets to acquire him.
Chris Paul from the Phoenix Suns is in fourth place on Simmons’ list. Paul has been in the league for over a decade and has proved time and again that he is a top-notch floor general. He has the ability to control the pace of the game and make his teammates better, which could be a huge advantage for the Rockets. However, his age and contract could be a concern for the Rockets.
Last but not least is Lonzo Ball from the New Orleans Pelicans. Ball is a young and talented player with a lot of potential. He has shown glimpses of his brilliance on the court and could be a valuable asset for the Rockets in the long run. However, he is still developing his game, and it would be a risk for the Rockets to rely on him as their starting point guard.
In conclusion, the Houston Rockets have some promising options to replace the injured Fred VanVleet. Each of the players listed by Bill Simmons has their own unique strengths and could bring a lot to the team. It would ultimately come down to the Rockets’ management to make the best decision for the team. We can only hope that they find a suitable replacement for VanVleet and keep their title hopes alive for the 2025-26 season.
The Rockets may be facing a difficult situation, but they should not lose hope. As the saying goes, when one door closes, another one opens. The team should embrace this challenge and use it as an opportunity to grow and improve. The Rockets have always been a resilient team, and this is their chance to showcase their determination and dedication to their fans.
As fans, let’s continue to support the Houston Rockets and keep our faith in them. With or without VanVleet, the team has a talented roster and a supportive fan base. Let’s stay positive and excited for the upcoming season, as there is still a lot of potential for the Rockets to achieve greatness. Go Rockets!
