Ime Udoka, Amen Thompson, Fred VanVleet
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Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka celebrates with Amen Thompson and Fred VanVleet after a timeout is called.
The Houston Rockets have one glaring weakness as one of the top contenders in the Western Conference. Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun both have valid cases to make the All-Star team, but the team is still lacking a starting point guard. Injured starter Fred VanVleet suffered an injury months before the season and is most likely not returning until next season.
Previous reports indicated that the Rockets were interested in acquiring a point guard on the trade market. However, NBA reporter Michael Wright of ESPN reported that Houston has changed their stance:
“Ime told me that they are not going to get a point guard at the trade deadline, said ‘Hey, you know the second apron is what it is, we didn’t have that much money anyway to work with’ so there’s no help coming to get better.”
Head coach Ime Udoka is the one who told Wright that the Rockets are not going to make any big moves at the deadline. Even the veteran point guards on cheaper contracts would be hard to acquire since Houston is limited in what they can offer without giving up a valued player.
Rockets Have Unique Point Guard Replacement
Houston’s game plan without a traditional point guard on the roster sees everyone else having to step up. Starting wing player Amen Thompson is responsible for running the offense and playing like a point guard for most of the game. Durant also has his time getting to run plays, even though that often leads to him getting shots.
Reed Sheppard has tried to change his game to play more like a point guard instead of a shooting guard. The progression and improvement of Sheppard is likely a major reason why the Rockets are not looking to make a big splash that could hurt their franchise in the future.
Udoka is content giving his two young players more opportunity in the point guard role, while Durant and Sengun provides the offensive dominance. Sheppard and other young players have been successful draft picks for Houston, and they don’t want to lose a cheap valuable contract for a short rental.
Can Fred VanVleet Return For Rockets?
Another factor involved in this story is that VanVleet is working hard and pushing himself for a potential late season return before the playoffs. Houston is reportedly not expecting this since the original timetable called for the veteran point guard to miss the entire season.
VanVleet is the perfect player for the Rockets at point guard since he has major game experience as a former NBA Champion. Houston has a great roster and just lacks an experienced point guard to facilitate for other players and hit three-pointers.
Udoka’s words make it clear that the Rockets are content going the rest of this season with Thompson, Sheppard, and Durant running the offense. VanVleet could become a hero if his hard work leads to a return. Houston is considered a fringe contender in the loaded West, but a respected point guard gives them a much higher ceiling.