Fred VanVleet Returns to Rockets Lineup Following ACL Recovery

Point guard Fred VanVleet has been fully cleared for training camp after missing the entire previous season due to a torn ACL.

HOUSTON — Coach Ime Udoka confirmed Tuesday that point guard Fred VanVleet is fully cleared for training camp after missing all of last season with a torn ACL. The Rockets, who finished with 52 regular-season wins and a first-round playoff exit last year, will begin their preseason schedule against the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 9 and 11 in Macao, China.

Along with VanVleet, Houston welcomes back center Steven Adams, who underwent surgery after being limited to 32 games last season by an ankle injury. The roster also features 16-time All-Star Kevin Durant, who started 78 games last year but was restricted to one playoff appearance due to an ankle sprain. The Rockets added 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart during the offseason to play alongside fourth-year guard Amen Thompson.

Udoka noted that a primary objective this season is improving late-game execution, as over half of Houston's 30 losses last year occurred in games where the team held double-digit leads. To manage the workload of his veteran stars, Udoka expressed a desire to reduce the minutes for Durant and Thompson, who ranked first and second on the team in total minutes played last season. Durant, who turns 38 next week, stated he is prepared to play 48 minutes a night if required by the game situation.