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Rockets guard Fred VanVleet undergoes ACL surgery, not ruled out for season
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- Rockets guard Fred VanVleet undergoes ACL surgery, not ruled out for season
The Houston Rockets announced Thursday that guard Fred VanVleet underwent successful surgery to repair the ACL in his right knee. The surgery was performed by Dr. Walter Lowe of Memorial Hermann.
Future updates regarding VanVleet's recovery process will be provided as necessary, according to the team's announcement .
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It's worth noting that the Rockets are not ruling out a return before the 2025-26 playoffs, which will begin in approximately seven months in mid-April. However, that would be on the extreme short end of average ACL recovery timelines .
The average return-to-play timeline for NBA players and ACL surgeries is between nine and 10 months , though it's possible that figure could be slightly exaggerated due to offseason periods in which no games are scheduled.
In VanVleet's case, the fact that he underwent surgery almost immediately after tearing his ACL ( during an unofficial team mini-camp in The Bahamas last weekend ) suggests that both the player and team are hoping to expedite the timetable. However, it will take weeks or months to get a better sense of whether a 2025-26 return is feasible.
Now 31 years old, VanVleet averaged 14.1 points and 5.6 assists per game last season, and he remains highly respected as a veteran locker-room leader for the Rockets. In his absence, second-year prospect Reed Sheppard could have an opportunity to start at point guard.
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Led by the All-Star frontcourt duo of Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun , the Rockets have championship aspirations this season — and VanVleet was expected to be a key part of the formula. It's still possible that he could still be, but it will likely take a lot of time and luck.
More: Rockets lose Fred VanVleet to torn right ACL, which could end season
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Fred VanVleet undergoes ACL surgery, not ruled out for season
