Fantasy Basketball Exit Interview: Rockets searching for direction following playoff exit again

Houston has a point guard problem

This is the headline issue for fantasy managers. Fred VanVleet missed the entire 2025-26 season with an ACL tear. His absence alone exposed how dependent this roster is on having a true table-setter. Without VanVleet, the Rockets deployed the second-youngest starting lineup in NBA playoff history and leaned heavily on their young core to generate offense. The season-long experiment didn’t go according to plan.

Amen Thompson took over as the primary ball-handler for much of the season. While his decision-making and ball security still have some warts, he thrives as an off-ball slasher and roamer from the dunker spot, which helps raise his field goal percentage. His ability to attack without the ball and finish efficiently remains a valuable asset even as the team waits for VanVleet’s return. Still, Thompson was a strong fantasy asset in an expanded role, ranking inside the top 40 in both High Score and 9-cats leagues after averaging 18-7-5 with 1.5 steals per contest.

VanVleet is expected back next season, which matters — but until he proves he can return at full health, point duties will likely stay with a combination of Thompson, Alperen Şengün and Reed Sheppard.

Şengün and the frustrating core

Alperen Şengün once again did his thing, but the execution was at times frustrating. The counting stats are excellent across the board: points, rebounds, assists, stocks. He fills it up. It’s why he ranked 13th in High Score. But the problems are equally consistent: turnovers remain a real liability and his free-throw shooting continues to drag down his 9-cat value. When he’s efficient, he’s a top-30 asset in that format versus a top-60 guy.

Sheppard was one of my sleepers until I learned Ime Udoka didn’t trust him. Udoka pretty much waited until he had no other options in the backcourt before starting Sheppard and playing him 30+ minutes. I think he’ll be a more effective fantasy player if he gets 25-30 minutes next season as the sixth man. He’s a good shooter who generates stocks well for his size and just has to get more comfortable adapting to the physicality of the NBA. I could see him being selected by the 10th round next season with a more secure rotational spot.

Final Thoughts

VanVleet returns on an expiring contract, and his presence alone raises the ceiling of this team immediately. He's a prime bounce-back target in fantasy — a reliable source of assists, threes and steals who should be available in the middle rounds after a full year off. Tari Eason is a restricted free agent this summer and has been vocal about wanting an expanded role and a real payday — how that situation resolves shapes the depth of this roster considerably. Then you have to wonder, is Ime Udoka’s job security actually secure?

KD, Şengün, and Jabari Smith Jr. are all locked in for at least two seasons, giving Houston a stable core, but extending Thompson should be one of their key focus areas. The wrinkle — what if a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes available this offseason? These young rotational pieces become very attractive trade fodder. The Rockets have the assets and the cap flexibility to make a splash. Stay tuned.