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Rockets star Fred VanVleet thinks Rockets can repeat what shocked the NBA last season

Nairavoice · Jul 22, 2026 · 2 min read

Rockets star Fred VanVleet thinks Rockets can repeat what shocked the NBA last season originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Despite being without their starting point guard Fred VanVleet for the entire last season, the Houston Rockets put together a stellar regular season under head coach Ime Udoka.

The team’s success came despite also dealing with injuries to superstar Kevin Durant. However, Houston’s promising season ultimately came to an end when they were eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs.

Even with that disappointing finish, VanVleet is entering the upcoming season with plenty of optimism. In a recent interview, the veteran guard expressed complete confidence in Houston’s ability to compete for the NBA championship next season, like the New York Knicks did last season.

“I believe we can win a championship next year, but that’s down the road. The journey leading up doesn’t really matter. We just saw the Knicks pull it off… nobody expected them to do it,” VanVleet said.

VanVleet missed the entire 2025-26 season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee shortly before training camp. Fortunately for Houston, the veteran guard revealed that his recovery has been progressing according to schedule and that he continues to make steady progress in his rehabilitation.

The Rockets guard also shared that he has been working out every day and is getting closer to returning to full basketball activities. He expects to be fully healthy and available for Houston’s first preseason game ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Heading into next season, the Rockets appear to possess legitimate championship aspirations. With Kevin Durant providing proven superstar leadership, a healthy VanVleet returning to orchestrate the offense, and one of the NBA’s most talented young cores continuing to develop, Houston has assembled a roster capable of contending for a title.

Given the talent and depth on the team, VanVleet’s confidence in the Rockets’ championship chances appears well-founded rather than overly ambitious.