Fred VanVleet wasted no time reminding everyone what the Houston Rockets had been missing. After 523 days away from NBA action, the veteran point guard returned Friday in Houston’s NBA China Game matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. He immediately made his presence felt with back-to-back three-pointers. The 32-year-old looked comfortable from the opening minutes. He moved confidently, controlled the tempo, and provided the perimeter shot-making that has made him a vital piece of Houston’s backcourt.
His quick scoring burst offered an encouraging early glimpse of what the Rockets could regain with their veteran floor general back in the rotation. VanVleet had missed the entire 2025–26 season while recovering from a devastating knee injury involving his ACL and meniscus. His absence forced Houston to navigate a full campaign without one of its most experienced decision-makers. That's even as Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson continued developing into central figures. Now, with VanVleet back on the floor, head coach Ime Udoka has another composed playmaker who can organize the offense. He can stretch defenses and ease the burden on Houston’s other main players, especially Kevin Durant.
VanVleet’s 2026 offseason revolved around rehabilitation and securing his immediate future in Houston. After missing the previous season, he exercised his $25 million player option in late June for 2026–27. That ensured his return to the Rockets. The veteran then focused on rebuilding his conditioning and regaining basketball form. Udoka confirmed in late September that he had been cleared for basketball activities. Friday’s exhibition provided the next important milestone: a return to live game action. While back-to-back triples do not guarantee a seamless comeback, VanVleet’s early confidence is an encouraging sign for a Houston team hoping to build on its young core and make a deeper postseason push.