In ACL rehab, Fred VanVleet ‘pushing for’ return to 2025-26 Rockets

After undergoing surgery to repair the ACL in his right knee in September, the expectation from most NBA observers is for veteran Rockets guard Fred VanVleet to miss the entire 2025-26 season.

But Houston has yet to officially rule him out, and neither has VanVleet.

Speaking on the inaugural episode of his new podcast, Unguarded, VanVleet said this when asked about a potential return by the 2026 playoffs:

That’s what I’m pushing for. Nothing is guaranteed, but that’s what I’m pushing for, for sure. Them boys look good out there.

I know what I can add, and what I can bring to the table. So, it gives me something to think about, and something to push for when I’m doing my rehab. This (expletive) is difficult. It gives me some motivation to get back.

But I don’t want to put that pressure on myself right now. It’s a little early. But I’m definitely trying to push back, for sure.

The average return timeline for NBA players who undergo ACL surgeries is more than nine months, and the start of the 2026 playoffs in April will be approximately seven months since VanVleet’s surgery.

As a result, VanVleet playing in 2025-26 would definitely be a quicker-than-usual return, and both parties know that. But it’s not unprecedented in sports, and if the Rockets are able to extend their playoff run into May and June, that could further enhance the possibility.

At the moment, the Rockets (13-4) have won 13 of 15 games, so an extended run certainly isn’t out of the question. In turn, that could buy VanVleet more time.

As it is, VanVleet is watching from the sidelines and offering whatever guidance he can to the current team. In the veteran’s absence, second-year prospect Reed Sheppard is now starting at point guard.

In two seasons with the Rockets, VanVleet has averaged 15.9 points (36.9% on 3-pointers), 6.9 assists, 1.5 steals, and only 1.6 turnovers per game. He’ll turn 32 years old in February.

More: Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (ACL tear) leaves door open for 2025-26 return

This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: In ACL rehab, Fred VanVleet ‘pushing for’ return to 2025-26 Rockets