Rockets’ Early Struggles Without VanVleet May Lead to Long-Term Gains

The Houston Rockets’ early season struggles, stemming from an injury to veteran point guard Fred VanVleet, have put a damper on their championship aspirations. Without VanVleet, the Rockets have struggled to find consistency on both ends of the floor, but the injury may ultimately lead to long-term growth as young players step into new roles. The Rockets are now faced with a crucial developmental period that could pay off in the future, despite their early setbacks.

VanVleet, who was the Rockets’ most valuable postseason performer last year, has been sidelined due to injury, forcing Houston to rely on untested players like Amen Thompson and second-year guard Reed Sheppard. The Rockets’ performance has faltered in the first week, ranking near the bottom of the league in multiple categories, including turnovers, assist rate, and shooting efficiency. However, this forced change could provide Houston with the opportunity to build a stronger foundation for the future.

While the short-term effects of VanVleet’s injury have been negative, the long-term potential could be significant. Houston is now forced to answer critical questions about the development of their young players, including whether Sheppard can step into a larger role and if Thompson can thrive at point guard. These questions could ultimately propel the Rockets closer to championship contention.

Despite early struggles, the team’s ability to adapt and experiment with new roles could be the key to unlocking their potential. The focus now shifts to how these developments will unfold throughout the season and whether they will help the Rockets become a serious playoff contender in the years to come.

1. Houston’s Offensive Struggles Without VanVleet

The absence of Fred VanVleet has highlighted the Rockets’ offensive deficiencies, as the team has ranked near the bottom of the league in several key statistical categories. Through the first week of the season, Houston has struggled with turnovers, field goal percentage, and overall offensive efficiency. Their offensive output has been stagnant, ranking second-worst in points per 100 half-court plays, and their assist rate is also among the lowest in the league. In VanVleet’s absence, Houston has been forced to experiment with a point guard-by-committee approach, with Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard taking on expanded roles. While both players are talented, they have yet to develop the consistency needed to run a high-functioning offense. Thompson, known for his athleticism and ability to drive to the rim, has shown flashes of potential but still has much to learn in terms of decision-making and playmaking. Sheppard, the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has seen his minutes more than double this season, allowing Houston to evaluate whether he can be a long-term solution at the point guard position. While his early performance has been a mixed bag, the increased playing time has given the Rockets the chance to see if the former Kentucky standout can step up when given a larger role. This opportunity to develop Sheppard, despite early growing pains, could ultimately benefit the Rockets in the long run. Although the offense has been far from perfect, the Rockets showed some promising signs in a recent victory over the Brooklyn Nets, where Thompson and Sheppard combined for 16 assists and only two turnovers. This type of ball movement and decision-making would be difficult for VanVleet to replicate on his own, as he averaged just one 12-assist game last season. While it’s still early, these developments indicate that Houston might be moving in the right direction despite their early struggles.

2. Young Players Stepping Up in VanVleet’s Absence

With VanVleet sidelined, Houston has been forced to turn to its younger players, and some are already starting to show their potential. Amen Thompson, in particular, has taken on a larger role in running the offense. Thompson’s unique blend of athleticism, playmaking ability, and basketball IQ makes him an intriguing option at point guard. His transition to the role could eventually be beneficial for both him and the team, even though the move was somewhat forced by injury. Thompson’s ability to drive to the basket and create opportunities for his teammates has been one of the few bright spots in Houston’s early season. His growth in the point guard position could be a key factor for the Rockets going forward, especially if he continues to develop his court vision and decision-making. Houston is hopeful that Thompson can become the floor general they need to take their offense to the next level. Additionally, Sheppard’s increased playing time is allowing the Rockets to get a better sense of what he can bring to the table. After a limited role as a rookie, Sheppard now has the chance to prove himself as a starting-caliber guard in the NBA. While his performance so far has been inconsistent, this season will be crucial for determining whether Sheppard can become a key piece of Houston’s future. With VanVleet out, the Rockets are placing their trust in the hands of these young players to develop quickly. This forced situation could ultimately help the team find the right mix of players who can contribute in meaningful ways, whether it’s in the short term or as part of a long-term plan for contention.

3. Sengun’s Emergence as a Key Playmaker

Amid the offensive struggles and player adjustments, the most promising development for the Rockets has been the emergence of Alperen Sengun as a key playmaker. The 23-year-old center has shown significant growth, particularly in his playmaking and shooting ability. Sengun’s ability to facilitate the offense and stretch the floor with his improved outside shooting has made him one of the most intriguing young players in the league. Sengun’s stats speak for themselves. With averages of 6.7 assists per game and a career-high 58.3% shooting from beyond the arc, Sengun has become a legitimate offensive weapon for the Rockets. His playmaking ability and versatility have drawn comparisons to MVP candidates like Nikola Jokic, and while it’s still early, Sengun’s development could be the key to Houston’s future success. By running the offense through Sengun, the Rockets have been able to unlock new dimensions in their attack, relying less on traditional point guard play and more on a center who can create opportunities for others. This shift in the offense could prove to be a crucial step in Houston’s growth, especially if the team continues to develop around Sengun’s skills. If Sengun can continue to improve and refine his game, he could become the cornerstone of Houston’s offense moving forward. His ability to play both inside and out, combined with his vision as a passer, has elevated him into a potential star in the making.