VanVleet, Adams conquered injury rehab, now they're ready to ignite Rockets

"I have a whole newfound perspective on this thing that we do here that we call a job and also just life in general," VanVleet said this month. "I'm just really grateful and excited to be able to get back out there on the court."

The Rockets bring back their seven main rotation players from last season – including the team's three top scorers in Kevin Durant , Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson – plus offseason signings Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic . But Houston's most important additions might actually be the re-addition of VanVleet and backup center Steven Adams .

VanVleet tore his right ACL and meniscus last September in a preseason workout and missed the entire 2025-26 season. Adams underwent season-ending surgery on his left ankle in January after he suffered a Grade 3 sprain while contesting a shot in a game.