The Houston Rockets have been dealt a major blow as they head into the 2025-26 NBA season. It has been announced that their star point guard, Fred VanVleet, will likely be out for the entire season due to a serious injury. This news has sent shockwaves through the Rockets organization and their fans, as VanVleet has been a key player for the team and their plans for the upcoming season.
With VanVleet’s absence, the Rockets will need to find a replacement in order to keep their hopes alive for the season. However, it won’t be an easy task as their options are limited. But fear not, Rockets fans, as there are still some potential stars out there that could help fill the void left by VanVleet. In fact, renowned sports analyst Bill Simmons has already listed five potential targets for the Rockets to pursue.
The first name on Simmons’ list is Kemba Walker, who is currently playing for the Boston Celtics. Walker is a proven point guard and has been a consistent scorer throughout his career. He would bring a much-needed offensive boost to the Rockets and could form a formidable backcourt duo with James Harden. However, the Rockets would need to make some adjustments to their salary cap in order to acquire Walker.
Next on the list is Mike Conley, who is currently with the Utah Jazz. Conley is a seasoned veteran and has been one of the most underrated point guards in the league. He is known for his playmaking abilities and his leadership on the court. He would bring a wealth of experience to the young Rockets team and could help guide them through tough situations.
Simmons also suggests that the Rockets could look into trading for Jrue Holiday, who is currently playing for the New Orleans Pelicans. Holiday is a two-way player and has been one of the best defensive guards in the league. He would provide the Rockets with a much-needed defensive presence and could also contribute on the offensive end. However, the Pelicans may not be willing to part ways with their star guard easily.
Another name on the list is D’Angelo Russell, who is currently playing for the Golden State Warriors. Russell is a dynamic scorer and has shown tremendous potential in his young career. He has the ability to create his own shot and could take off some pressure from Harden’s shoulders. The Rockets could potentially make a trade with the Warriors for Russell, who would be a great addition to their roster.
Lastly, Simmons suggests that the Rockets could look into acquiring Goran Dragic from the Miami Heat. Dragic is another veteran point guard who has been a consistent performer for the Heat. He is a crafty player and has the ability to make plays for his teammates. He would bring a different dimension to the Rockets’ offense and could help them create more scoring opportunities.
All of these five potential targets have their own strengths and weaknesses, but each one of them could make a significant impact with the Rockets. However, it is ultimately up to the Rockets’ management to make the best decision for their team.
Losing VanVleet for an entire season is undoubtedly a huge setback for the Rockets. But they should not lose hope as they still have a chance to find a suitable replacement and make a strong push for the playoffs. With these five potential targets suggested by Bill Simmons, the Rockets have some promising options to consider. It will be interesting to see which direction the Rockets will take and who will be their new point guard for the upcoming season.
In conclusion, while the absence of Fred VanVleet is a major blow for the Houston Rockets, it is not the end of their season. They have some tough decisions to make, but they also have some great options to choose from. As they say, when one door closes, another one opens. The Rockets must stay positive and motivated as they navigate through this challenging time. Who knows, this could be an opportunity for a new star to emerge and lead the Rockets to success. Let’s go Rockets!
