Everybody knew the Rockets had been set for a giant yr, however Fred VanVleet instantly suffered a torn ACL. That can take him out for the season, which suggests the Rockets are missing their veteran level guard.
Head coach Ime Udoka and the Rockets know they will succeed with out VanVleet. Will probably be difficult, however the workforce’s guards want to capitalize on the chance to shine for the Rockets, together with the younger JD Davison.
Udoka loves what he’s seeing from Davison in coaching camp
In a workforce full of star-level skills like Durant, All-Star Alperen Sengun, and rising star Amen Thompson, the Rockets nonetheless have untapped potential on the roster. Reed Sheppard is a giant one, contemplating he was the third total decide within the 2024 NBA Draft.
Sheppard seems to be to be the long-term reply at level guard. He already has stable playmaking abilities and a excessive ceiling as a shooter. Sadly, he has not gotten sufficient reps to turn into a perennial starter.
One other participant who has impressed Udoka is JD Davison. Each Davison and Udoka had been as soon as a part of the Boston Celtics, however Udoka didn’t get to educate him due to his points that led to his time in Boston ending prematurely. Now, Udoka has an opportunity to educate Davison once more, this time with the Rockets.
In just a few days collectively in coaching camp, Udoka is already impressed with the 23-year-old guard. “He’s been nice. Very aggressive, handles nicely, makes good selections out of the decide and roll. He’s a giant physique who can decide up full courtroom, so he brings aggression on each side of the ball. He’s taken benefit of the chance,” Udoka mentioned after a coaching camp session.
The Houston Rockets have a deep sufficient workforce to get previous VanVleet’s absence
The Rockets are getting used to life with out VanVleet on the ground. Over the previous two seasons, they’ve relied on the skilled veteran main the cost. Now, they need to discover methods to succeed with out him. Fortunately, Durant’s arrival softened the blow as a result of he’s additionally an NBA champion.
He’ll doubtless slot into the go-to man function on the Rockets, however Sengun may also be his co-star. The Rockets have a proficient roster, and VanVleet’s damage is an impediment they may look to beat. Will probably be a difficult marketing campaign with out their ground common, however it is going to result in extra gamers stepping up.
Thompson is the doubtless substitute, Sheppard is an effective alternative, and Davison may additionally take advantage of out of his alternatives. Udoka will make the large selections, and he’s seeing many optimistic developments in coaching camp. If they will continue to grow as a workforce, VanVleet’s loss received’t be as important as folks assume.
