The Houston Rockets can't rely on Fred VanVleet next season. The team's point guard is returning from an ACL tear, but his performance last season was underwhelming. VanVleet averaged 14.1 points per game with a woeful 51.5 True Shooting % (TS%). The Rockets were still +3.4 when he was on the floor, but they need more from their point guard position. The team will likely add a rotation-caliber point guard to the rotation, but they can't count on VanVleet as a surefire starter. Either they're ready to give Reed Sheppard a longer leash, they've got an acquisition in mind, or they're wildly optimistic. The Rockets need to find a way to make good things happen without relying on VanVleet. He's always defended the point of attack well, but his pull-up three was still a weapon. The team will have to find a way to make up for his lack of athleticism. VanVleet is an already-underwhelming NBA athlete who's got craft and feel to spare. He's not a good analog for Zach LaVine, who tore his ACL in 2017 and eventually came back better than ever. LaVine was a raw athlete who facilitated his comeback by developing his overall craftiness and feel for the game. VanVleet is 32, and his age is a concern. He sure looked to be declining when he was last in action. The Rockets need to find a way to make good things happen without relying on VanVleet. They'll have to find a way to make up for his lack of athleticism. The team will likely add a rotation-caliber point guard to the rotation, but they can't count on VanVleet as a surefire starter. Either they're ready to give Reed Sheppard a longer leash, they've got an acquisition in mind, or they're wildly optimistic.