Rockets acknowledge that Fred VanVleet’s return is unlikely this season
“Obviously, you’re not looking at playing if you're not getting on the court and making contact, this late in the season,” Ime Udoka says.
Neither the Houston Rockets nor Fred VanVleet (torn ACL in right knee) have officially ruled out the veteran point guard for the 2025-26 season, but time isn’t on their side. With the start of the NBA’s 2026 playoffs less than a month away, it doesn’t appear that anything is imminent. And that’s a problem for any potential return this season, since VanVleet would almost certainly need an extended period of physically ramping up before playing in meaningful games.
Prior to Monday’s game in Chicago, head coach Ime Udoka was asked for an update on VanVleet and his current activity levels. Udoka replied ( via Dave Hardisty, ClutchFans ) Shooting, cutting, moving, non-contact (drills). That's pretty much the extent of the on-court.
Right around the six-month mark, you can start to ramp up things. But, no contact at any point soon, or nothing we’re looking forward to, honestly. Obviously, you’re not looking at playing if you're not getting on the court and (going through) contact, this late in the season.
teaching moments 💡 @FredVanVleet 🤝 @reed_sheppard pic. twitter. com/0kbNXsrJ5U — Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) March 23, 2026 The 2026 Western Conference playoffs will begin in mid-April, approximately seven months after VanVleet’s September 2025 injury .