Rockets head coach Made by Udok recently gave encouraging health information Fred VanVleetwho is in the final stages of recovery from a torn ACL he suffered a year ago, according to Brian Barefield of Big Sarge Media (Link to video on Twitter).
“Excellent” Udoka said of VanVleet’s progress (hint to BasketNews). “He’s really stepped it up in San Diego over the last month or so while rehabbing. He’s playing back-to-back, making contact, so when you get to that point, you get a little more excited, and I’m sure he does, too.
“I’m like a guy who’s had two ACL tears and I know there are these boxes that you have to check off and go through the process.”
VanVleet, who exercised his $25 million player option for 2026/2027 in June, Andscape said in July, he was disappointed to miss all of last season due to injury. He also said he was optimistic he could play in Houston’s preseason opener next month.
Here’s more on the Rockets:
- Speaking with Barefield (Link to video on Twitter), CEO of the Rockets Raphael Stone said it was a “pretty easy” decision to sign Amin Thompson to a five-year, $208 million scaling newbie 10 days ago. “He wants to be here (and) we want to be with him” Stone said of Thompson. “We’re extremely pleased with his progress and (we’re) glad it all worked out.”
- In the same media session, Udoka addressed the application veteran assistant coach Chip Engellandwho is widely regarded as one of the best player development and shooting coaches in the league in particular. Udoka has known Engelland for 20 years, dating back to their time together in San Antonio, and said Engelland has mentored several current members of Houston’s coaching staff. “Obviously Garrett Jackson, Ben Sullivan, Cam Hodgesall those guys came under him” Udoka told Chancellor Johnson (Link to video on Twitter). “It’s kind of like getting a teacher back in the building for these guys. They’ve done a great job with our guys and just having a master of what he does in the building has been good for us. He’s excited to be back with some guys who are familiar faces and get to know the younger guys. I think shooting wise he’s obviously going to benefit our guys.” According to the team, Engelland has already been working with Thompson on his jump shot (Link to video on Twitter).
- In case you missed it, we’ve passed on a few more Rocket notes on Friday.
