Draymond Green Questions Rockets’ Title Hopes Without Fred VanVleet

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green didn’t hold back when discussing the Houston Rockets’ title aspirations this week. On the latest episode of The Draymond Green Show, the outspoken veteran argued that Houston’s championship hopes took a major hit when point guard Fred VanVleet went down with a season-ending ACL injury before the 2025–26 campaign began.

The Rockets had entered the year with renewed optimism, buoyed by the offseason addition of future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant. The combination of Durant’s star power, Houston’s promising young core, and a deeper supporting cast had many analysts labeling them as dark-horse contenders in the West. But without VanVleet, Green believes that label no longer applies.

“I love that Rockets roster,” Green said during the October 28 episode. “But to expect them to contend without Fred VanVleet—you’re fooling yourself. He’s their leader, their primary ball handler, their defensive anchor at guard. People are discounting what Fred means to that group.”

Green’s remarks highlight a broader concern across the league: while star talent like Durant can elevate a team, losing a stabilizing floor general like VanVleet can unravel the chemistry needed to sustain a championship push.

1. The Impact of Losing a Leader

VanVleet’s injury has been one of the season’s early storylines. The veteran guard, who joined Houston last season and immediately became one of its most reliable two-way players, tore his ACL during a preseason workout. His absence leaves the Rockets without their most experienced playmaker and emotional leader—a blow that extends beyond the stat sheet. Last year, VanVleet’s leadership was instrumental in guiding Houston to a seven-game playoff series against Green’s Warriors. His poise, shooting, and defensive intensity were viewed as the connective tissue holding the Rockets’ young lineup together. Without him, head coach Ime Udoka must rely heavily on less seasoned players like Amen Thompson and Tari Eason to handle key responsibilities. Green’s comments reflect a sentiment shared by many analysts: that while Durant’s arrival raises Houston’s ceiling, the loss of VanVleet significantly lowers their floor. He was the engine that made the team’s offense flow, capable of controlling pace, organizing sets, and taking pressure off Durant and Alperen Sengun. Injuries like this can often test a team’s identity, and for the Rockets, it’s an early exam of depth, adaptability, and leadership. Without VanVleet’s presence, Houston’s margin for error narrows considerably in a crowded Western Conference.

2. Early Struggles and Adjustments

Houston’s start to the season has reflected those challenges. The team opened with consecutive losses to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons, struggling to establish rhythm without its primary facilitator. Turnovers and inconsistent perimeter shooting exposed the very areas VanVleet typically steadied. Still, the Rockets have begun to show signs of recovery. Wins over Brooklyn and Toronto helped them regain some confidence and find new offensive balance. Durant has predictably taken on a heavier scoring load, while center Alperen Sengun has emerged as a reliable interior option, showcasing improved footwork and passing vision. Role players like Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and rookie Amen Thompson have also stepped up in key moments, contributing defensively and finding ways to keep the team competitive. Their development could prove critical in sustaining Houston’s playoff hopes until VanVleet can return next season. The Rockets’ next test comes on the road against the Boston Celtics on November 1, a matchup that will further gauge how well they can compete with elite teams without their floor general. For now, Houston’s focus is on consistency and collective resilience—qualities VanVleet himself helped instill.

3. Leadership Beyond the Floor

Even while sidelined, VanVleet’s influence remains visible. Teammates have described him as an active presence around the team, offering guidance during film sessions and mentoring younger players through the adjustment period. His leadership, even in absence, continues to shape the Rockets’ culture and accountability. Durant, meanwhile, has embraced a dual role as both scorer and mentor, helping balance the locker room’s dynamics in VanVleet’s stead. Still, his strengths lie primarily in shot creation and scoring efficiency, not in orchestrating the team’s offense—a reminder of why Green and others place so much value on VanVleet’s missing skill set. For the Rockets to remain competitive, they’ll need continued growth from their young guards and steady production from their frontcourt. A healthy Durant ensures they’ll remain relevant in the playoff picture, but Green’s skepticism underscores how fragile that contention status can be without a true floor general. As the season unfolds, Houston’s ability to redefine itself without VanVleet will determine whether Green’s prediction proves correct—or premature.