Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has made his stance clear regarding a potential return this season, offering fresh optimism after what was widely assumed to be a year-ending injury.
VanVleet underwent knee surgery in September 2025 following an ACL injury, and early expectations around the league suggested the former All-Star would likely miss the entirety of the 2025–26 NBA season.
Fred VanVleet Addresses Rehab and Late-Season Comeback Possibility
ACL recoveries typically span nine to 12 months, which made a return before the postseason seem unlikely at the time.
However, neither the Rockets nor VanVleet have officially ruled out a comeback. As Houston continues to climb the Western Conference standings, the possibility of a late-season or playoff return has quietly remained on the table.
The clearest update on VanVleet’s status came during a recent episode of the Game Over Podcast, where Rich Paul spoke directly with the Rockets guard about his rehabilitation and mindset on a phone call.
Rather than pushing for a firm timeline, Paul focused on how VanVleet is feeling physically and whether optimism is warranted. VanVleet’s response was measured but encouraging.
“I feel great. I am actually in the middle of rehab right now… I am feeling strong… we’ll see where we are at by the end of the year.”
While VanVleet stopped short of guaranteeing a return, his comments suggest that a comeback before season’s end remains a realistic goal rather than a long shot. If he were to return during the 2026 postseason in April, it would place his recovery at roughly seven months post-surgery — a notably fast turnaround for an ACL injury.
VanVleet’s Potential Return Matters for the Rockets
The Rockets currently sit sixth in the Western Conference with a 17–9 record, positioning themselves firmly in the playoff picture. Strong performances from Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, and Reed Sheppard have stabilized the team, making a postseason berth a realistic expectation.
That context matters. The Rockets have continued to search for consistency at the point guard position, often relying on makeshift rotations and asking secondary ball handlers to shoulder additional responsibility. A VanVleet return, even in limited minutes, would immediately address that issue.
His presence would add veteran playmaking, ease the offensive load on Durant, and help stabilize late-game possessions. VanVleet’s ability to operate off the ball alongside Şengün, while also organizing the offense when needed, would create matchup advantages.
Even a March return could significantly shift the Rockets’ postseason ceiling. It would also reduce pressure on younger guards like Amen Thompson, who has been forced into heavier on-ball duties in VanVleet’s absence.
Last season, VanVleet averaged 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, shooting 37.8% from the field and 34.5% from three-point range, across 60 regular-season games. While not eye-popping, those numbers underscore his value as a steady organizer and playoff-tested leader.
For now, the Rockets are proceeding cautiously. But based on VanVleet’s own words, the door to an unexpected late-season return remains open, and Houston is clearly leaving space for it.
