The Houston Rockets have gotten their training camp underway this week as they prepare for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season. The Rockets will be getting point guard Fred VanVleet back this season after he missed the entire 2025-26 season due to a torn ACL injury suffered just prior to the start of that campaign.

On Wednesday, fans got their first glimpse of VanVleet back on the court at camp.

Fred is back. Day 1 of training camp pic.twitter.com/9B52VEspxZ

— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) September 23, 2026

The Rockets sure could have used VanVleet's veteran presence at the point guard spot last season, particularly in the playoffs, with then-second year player Reed Sheppard suffering through a brutal first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers, including committing a costly turnover down the stretch of Game 3.

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While VanVleet may not be quite the same player that he was during his days with the Toronto Raptors, especially now that he is coming off the ACL injury, he still figures to provide a stable floor general for the Rockets who can get the team's playmakers the ball in their preferred spots and also knock down shots and provide serviceable defense.

The Rockets made some interesting moves on the margins this offseason, including signing fellow veteran guard Marcus Smart away from the Lakers in free agency.

It remains to be seen what the return of VanVleet and the arrival of Smart will mean for Sheppard's minutes as he looks to establish himself on the NBA level heading into Year 3.

The Rockets aren't viewed by most to be particularly close to the level of the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs out West, but if they can find a way to stay healthy and create better chemistry, they could certainly be a team to watch out for this year.