While the Rockets could turn to the trade market as they explore ways to replace Fred VanVleet following his ACL tear, half of their roster is currently ineligible to be dealt, and several other players are unlikely to be moved. Free agency also isn’t an option for Houston at the moment — although the Rockets have an open 15th roster spot, they don’t have enough room below their first-apron hard cap to sign a free agent to a minimum-salary contract.
Given that context, Houston will likely have to stay in house to replace VanVleet, at least for now. Danielle Lerner of The Houston Chronicle (subscription required) considers the team’s options, suggesting that Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson, and Aaron Holiday could all take on increased ball-handling responsibilities.
In Lerner’s view, Sheppard has the skill set that’s the closest to VanVleet’s in terms of three-point shooting and play-making. While Thompson is capable of handling the ball, Lerner believes the Rockets want to be able to take advantage of his off-ball movement rather than making him their primary distributor.
Exploring what the Rockets are losing as a result of VanVleet’s injury, Lerner points out that the veteran point guard is an underrated defender and screener who led the team in deflections per game (3.1) last season and had more screen assists per game than any non-center on the roster.
Here’s more on the Rockets:
- According to Dan Woike of The Athletic (Twitter link), people he has spoken to were already expecting Thompson to have a larger on-ball role even before the VanVleet injury. Chris Mannix of SI.com echoes that sentiment, suggesting that Thompson could get a chance to become Houston’s lead play-maker. As Mannix notes, Thompson recently told SI.com that improving his play-making was a priority this offseason.
- John Hollinger of The Athletic believes the Rockets could be in trouble without VanVleet and questions some of the roster moves the front office made this offseason, such as acquiring Clint Capela. According to Hollinger, the team loaded up on its frontcourt while leaving itself with little cap flexibility or reliable backcourt depth. Still, if there’s a silver lining, it’s the fact that Thompson and Sheppard will get a chance to sink or swim in increased roles, Hollinger writes. If they thrive with those added responsibilities, it would give the Rockets more reasons for optimism going forward.
- Josh Bostic, who has been a player development coach in Houston for the past two seasons, is being promoted to an assistant coach role, reports Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link). A longtime professional basketball player in non-NBA leagues, Bostic will presumably be taking the spot formerly occupied by Mike Moser, who accepted a job on David Adelman‘s staff in Denver.
I don’t understand one thing. Shouldn’t the Rockets be getting a medical exception for FVV injury. He’s out for season. Are there new cap rules now. Cause before they’d be able to use half of FVV salary. So easily could sign a vet minimum contract. Like Westbrook or Brogdon. And for all of you who can’t read NBA Exhibit 9 language. Brogdon is not making the Knicks roster.
So what’s up Luke ???? no medical exception anymore.
link to yardbarker.com
I could be wrong but i don’t think any exception will help them because they are hardcapped at the 1st apron and only 1.2m under it. A disabled player exception if granted doesn’t reduce cap so they’d still have no room till their hardcap – to add players they’d have to clear salary- even adding a vet min like Westbrook (or Brogdon if cut) would be tough before the season because they don’t have the space before their hardcap – decisions will have to be made.
I just remember before the new cap rules. If you lost a player for season. Even if you were over the cap. You would get a medical exception. It only seems fair to give one now. Not like they are adding a player or money. He is out for year.
link to google.com
I dont
And now. All 7 other playoffs teams are capable to defeat Rockets in April
Lakers
Clippers
Nuggets
Wolves
Sheppard is not ready. Trade him for Coby White, who is available
Relax Sillyman Rockets can still pull off a big trade.
If there is no medical exception. They have to look for trade.
Thompson is not a PG. He can play mins there. But you don’t want him there on a contending team. As a group Sheppard, Holiday , Thompson can all help hold down the position. But you are not winning a chip. Unless you add help and a real PG. Sheppard is the guy who can take the biggest leap. But at 21 yrs old. And hasn’t done anything yet. It’s a lot to ask. I would sign Westbrook and Brogdon for season. Then explore a trade. Two PGs that should be available are Jrue and Murray. You can use FVV expiring contract in 2026-27 as bait. Rockets window with KD is short. So you can’t just give away this year. Rockets definitely have to get PG help to contend. Not just to play. To help this team get to Finals. They have plenty of picks they can use also. FVV and picks for Jrue …. DONE