Fred VanVleet expects to be ready for start of Rockets’ 2026-27 season
· Yahoo Sports
In line with recent reports, veteran Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet says he remains on course to play at the start of the NBA’s 2026-27 season in October.
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VanVleet missed all of the 2025-26 season with a torn ACL in his right knee, which he suffered in September 2025.
At the NBA’s 2026 summer league, VanVleet spoke with Space City Home Network’s Vanessa Richardson. Regarding his health, the 32-year-old said:
It’s going great, I’m right on track. I’m getting stronger and getting better.
It’s a slow process. I’m eager and ready to get back out there, but I’ve got to follow protocols. So, I should be good for the start of the season.
The average timeline for NBA players to return from an ACL tear is between nine and 12 months, and the start of 2026-27 training camp will come just after the long end of that window passes.
Regarding the ongoing rehabilitation process, VanVleet added:
Just getting stronger and trying to get the leg back right. Long days, two-a-days, but we’ve got a great rehab team with the training staff. It’s been a journey, for sure, but I’m ready to get back on the court.
Complete video of VanVleet’s interview is available below.
Last night @SportsVanessa caught up with Fred VanVleet to get an update on the rehab process and his thoughts on Bruce Thornton! pic.twitter.com/7Rh2rkWj64
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) July 12, 2026
As Houston’s primary point guard, VanVleet averaged 15.9 points (36.9% on 3-pointers), 6.9 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game over his two playing seasons (2023-24 and 2024-25) with the Rockets.
He was also excellent at limiting turnovers (1.6 in 36.1 minutes per game), and he remains well respected for his abilities on defense and as a leader, as well.
Assuming VanVleet is medically cleared, Houston’s starting lineup for the 2026-27 campaign is likely to include VanVleet, Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun.
Key reserves who will likely feature in Ime Udoka’s playing rotation are Reed Sheppard, Tari Eason, Steven Adams, and recently signed guard Marcus Smart.
Houston is coming off consecutive years with 52-30 regular-season records before losing in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. Internally, the hope is that pairing Durant with a proven floor general such as VanVleet can mitigate the team’s issues with turnovers and late-game execution last season.
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Fred VanVleet expects to be ready for start of Rockets’ 2026-27 season