Houston Rockets Face Point Guard Challenges Amid Season Injuries
Mar 10, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka talks with guard Amen Thompson (1) during the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets struggled with their point guard situation during the 2025-26 NBA season, primarily due to Fred VanVleet's injury. Coach Ime Udoka opted to develop young players Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard, leading to mixed results but notable improvements as the season progressed.
- 01Fred VanVleet's torn ACL left the Rockets without a key player, impacting their offensive potential.
- 02Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard were tasked with the point guard role, despite neither being natural point guards.
- 03Thompson averaged 5.3 assists per game, showing significant improvement compared to 3.8 the previous season.
- 04Coach Ime Udoka compared the situation to a rookie NFL quarterback, emphasizing the challenges of transitioning to a new role.
- 05The Rockets chose not to acquire an experienced point guard during the trade deadline, focusing on player development.
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The Houston Rockets faced significant challenges during the 2025-26 NBA season, particularly with their point guard situation following Fred VanVleet's season-ending torn ACL. This injury forced the team to rely on young players Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard, who were not natural point guards. Coach Ime Udoka opted for a developmental approach, allowing both players to gain experience despite the ups and downs associated with their new roles. Udoka likened their situation to that of a rookie quarterback in the NFL, emphasizing the difficulties of transitioning to a new position. Despite the challenges, Thompson showed notable improvement, averaging 5.3 assists per game, up from 3.8 the previous season, and had a standout game with 14 assists. Sheppard also became more comfortable in his role, contributing to a smoother offense. The Rockets' decision to forego acquiring an experienced point guard during the trade deadline reflects their commitment to developing their young talent, which could pay off in the future as VanVleet recovers.
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The Rockets' point guard struggles could affect their competitiveness in the Western Conference.
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