Two Rockets Veterans Returning from Severe Injuries

The Houston Rockets will be welcoming back two key players who suffered brutal injuries last season: Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet.

Steven Adams suffered a severe grade-three ankle sprain in January, 2026. He then had successful surgery but was forced to miss the remainder of the season. His recovery is going well, and he is expected to partake in Houston’s training camp and to be ready for the start of the 2026-27 NBA regular season.

Before his injury, Adams played 32 games, helping Houston to a 21-11 record. Across the 32 games, he averaged 5.8 points and 8.6 rebounds in 22.8 minutes per game. 4.5 of the 8.6 rebounds per game were on the offensive glass, proving that he is one of the most elite offensive rebounders in the entire NBA. Adams posted historic offensive rebound rates, as he constantly flirted with a 25% offensive rebounding percentage.

On the other hand, Adams’ shooting was discouraging as he shot 50.4% from the floor and 58% from the free-throw line. Although his free-throw shooting was more efficient than his previous seasons, his field goal shooting percentage was the lowest he has had since his rookie year. However, Houston hired Chip Engelland to be the new assistant coach under Ime Udoka, so Adams’ shooting is expected to improve.

When Adams was on the court, Houston had a 121.3 offensive rating, which was almost 3 rating points higher than rockets season long average. Adams’ positive impact on the team is evident, and if Engelland can improve his shooting, Adams will become even more valuable to the team.

Fred VanVleet is also expected to be ready for the start of the upcoming season, after missing the entire 2025-26 season due to a severe ACL tear. VanVleet is slated to be Houston’s starting point guard.

VanVleet will improve the team's offense by being the primary floor general and will also elevate their 3 point shooting volume, which was probably Houston's weakest attribute. He averages 6.7 three-point attempts per game, forcing opposing defenses to spread out to guard him, thereby creating wider driving lanes.

VanVleet also has valuable playoff experience. VanVleet has played 59 career playoff games, including winning the NBA Championship in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors. VanVleet was crucial to the Raptors' success. In the Finals against the Golden State Warriors, he averaged 14 points per game and shot 52.6% from three-point range.

Both of these veterans were sorely missed last season, yet Houston still finished with a strong 52-30 record. How important will their returns to the roster be in this upcoming season?