The Houston Rockets have been hit with some unfortunate news as it has been reported that star point guard Fred VanVleet will likely be out for the entire 2025-26 season. This could potentially derail their plans for the upcoming season and leave them scrambling to find a suitable replacement. However, all hope is not lost as the Rockets do have some options to consider. In fact, renowned sports analyst Bill Simmons has even listed five potential stars that the Rockets could target to fill the void left by VanVleet’s absence.
VanVleet has been a key player for the Rockets since joining the team in 2022. He has consistently been one of the team’s top scorers and playmakers, earning himself a spot in the All-Star game last season. Losing him for an entire season would undoubtedly be a huge blow to the Rockets’ chances of success.
But as they say, when one door closes, another one opens. The Rockets now have an opportunity to explore their options and potentially acquire a new star player to fill the void left by VanVleet. And according to Bill Simmons, there are five potential stars that the Rockets could target.
The first player on Simmons’ list is Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard is a proven superstar in the league and has consistently been one of the top point guards in the NBA. He is an excellent scorer and playmaker, and his leadership skills could be a valuable asset to the Rockets. However, acquiring Lillard would not be an easy task as he is under contract with the Blazers until 2024 and has expressed his desire to stay with the team.
Next on the list is Kemba Walker of the Boston Celtics. Walker is another talented point guard who has proven himself as a reliable scorer and playmaker. He would bring a much-needed veteran presence to the Rockets and could help guide the team through a potentially challenging season without VanVleet. However, like Lillard, Walker is also under contract until 2024, making it difficult for the Rockets to acquire him.
Simmons also suggests that the Rockets could target De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings. Fox is a young and dynamic point guard who has shown immense potential in his first few seasons in the league. He is a skilled playmaker and has the ability to take over games with his scoring. Fox would be a great addition to the Rockets and could potentially become the face of the franchise in the future.
Another option for the Rockets is Kyle Lowry of the Miami Heat. Lowry is a veteran point guard who has proven himself as a reliable leader and playmaker over the years. He is also a great defender and could bring some much-needed toughness to the Rockets’ backcourt. However, Lowry is also under contract until 2023 and would require the Rockets to make some significant moves to acquire him.
Lastly, Simmons suggests that the Rockets could target Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers. Simmons is a unique player with his size and playmaking abilities. He is an excellent defender and has the potential to become a great all-around player in the league. However, he has been plagued with inconsistency and has faced criticism for his lack of a reliable jump shot. But with the right coaching and support, Simmons could thrive in Houston and become a valuable asset to the team.
In conclusion, while the news of Fred VanVleet’s potential absence for the entire 2025-26 season is undoubtedly a setback for the Houston Rockets, it also presents an opportunity for the team to explore their options and potentially acquire a new star player. With Bill Simmons’ list of five potential targets, the Rockets have some great options to consider. Who knows, one of these players could end up being the missing piece that propels the Rockets to success in the future.
