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Fred VanVleet Returned to Rockets Practice

The veteran guard participated in full-contact drills following a year-long recovery from an ACL tear.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a basketball player in motion, painted in Houston Rockets red and white, conveying athletic energy.
Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet resumed five-on-five practice this week, successfully completing his recovery from an ACL tear that sidelined him last season. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has resumed five-on-five practice after missing the entire 2025-2026 season due to an ACL tear. His return marks a significant step forward following a year of intensive rehabilitation.

Why it matters

VanVleet provides veteran leadership and court presence for a Houston roster looking to build on its recent performance. His return is a crucial development for the team as it prepares for the upcoming season.

The Houston Rockets concluded the 2025-2026 season with a 52-30 win-loss record. VanVleet had been sidelined for the entirety of that campaign while recovering from knee surgery.

The players

Fred VanVleet

He is an experienced NBA guard and key member of the Houston Rockets roster.

Ime Udoka

He serves as the head coach for the Houston Rockets and oversees team personnel decisions.

The details

VanVleet successfully completed a yearlong strength and conditioning program that moved him from limited mobility to full-contact basketball participation. Head coach Ime Udoka has indicated that the team plans to manage his workload by restricting him from playing in back-to-back games early in the season.

Timeline

  1. September 2025: Fred VanVleet tore his ACL.

  2. September 23, 2026: The Houston Rockets held their media day.

  3. October 2026: The 2026-2027 NBA season is scheduled to begin.

Season Trajectory

VanVleet's return aims to bolster the Rockets as they seek to move past their first-round exit in the 2025-2026 NBA playoffs. His availability changes the team's depth chart and rotation strategy for the coming season.

Rockets fans should note the team's plan to exclude VanVleet from back-to-back contests, which will directly impact the guard rotation for those games. This load management strategy is essential for his integration back into the active roster.

The takeaway

A disciplined rehabilitation process has allowed VanVleet to rejoin the roster after a full season away from the court. His careful return highlights the importance of long-term injury management in professional basketball.

Further reading

For more on the team's outlook, visit Houston Basketball.

Source note: This article includes information reported by EssentiallySports.

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Do you believe professional athletes should delay their return until fully recovered from major injuries?