Houston Rockets provide health update on Fred VanVleet

Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka provided a positive health update on guard Fred VanVleet, who is in the final stages of recovering from a torn ACL suffered a year ago. Udoka noted that VanVleet has ramped up his rehabilitation in San Diego, incorporating back-to-back sessions and contact drills. VanVleet, who exercised a $25 million player option for the 2026/27 season, previously expressed optimism about participating in the team's preseason opener.

In related team news, Rockets general manager Rafael Stone confirmed the recent signing of Amen Thompson to a five-year, $208 million rookie scale extension. Additionally, the team has added veteran assistant coach Chip Engelland, a specialist in player development and shooting, to the coaching staff.