The Houston Rockets took a major blow to their title hopes after Fred VanVleet tore his ACL.
The Rockets were positioned to become one of the Western Conference’s top teams after trading with Kevin Durant and gathering a strong roster around him.
But now the rocket has a large hole in the lead guard position and does not have the cap space to replace vanvleet with a free agent signature.
With vanvleet using the torn ACL, the rocket will need some of the younger security guards to step up.
One player expected to increase his role in the lead guard position is third-year player Amen Thompson.
Not only will he need to protect the opposing team’s top perimeter players, but Thompson will also be tasked with producing more offensively and creating opportunities for scoring as a key ball handler.
Thompson averaged a career-high 3.8 assists last year and has played as a point guard.
Thompson told senior sports illustrator Chris Mannicks that summer was spent on becoming a better lead guard.
Reed Shepherd is another security guard who needs to step up in the absence of vanvleet.
Shepherd entered the 2025-26 season without a defined role due to Houston’s depth, but now he’ll have a great chance. The third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft could be the new starting point guard for the rocket
Sheppard didn’t show much playing time last season, averaging 4.4 points and 1.4 assists in 12.6 minutes in 52 games. But now he will take on greater responsibility.
Even if the Rockets didn’t start him and had Thompson as the lead guard instead, Shepherd still gets a few minutes as a backup point guard.
Mark Spears attended the NBA today and he spoke about the Shepherd opportunity.
“I’m excited about Reed Shepherd.
“He didn’t expect this opportunity. People are very high for him and he has to get the opportunity.”
Losing Vanbeat would certainly be a fierce hit on the Rocket, but they have two young security guards who can make the most of this opportunity.