NBA》Rockets' plans disrupted by VanVleet's season-ending injury; 'Jordan of Van' says comeback feels like a rookie

Fred VanVleet, known as 'Jordan of Van,' is nearing a comeback for the Houston Rockets after a season-ending injury sidelined him for the entirety of the previous campaign. His absence was widely considered a significant blow, disrupting the team's plans and lacking a stable point guard, which many believe contributed to their early playoff elimination.

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I used to take many things for granted, because I've been doing these things every day since I was a child.

VanVleet suffered ACL and meniscus tears, leading to a full year away from the court. Reflecting on his lengthy recovery, he admitted, "I used to take many things for granted, because I've been doing these things every day since I was a child." He expressed a strong desire to return, stating he would be "very disappointed" if he couldn't participate in the preseason games.

The guard described his current physical state as feeling "like a rookie" after dedicating the past year to intensive physical training. He recalled the initial injury during training camp, initially unaware of its severity. What was initially thought to be a six-month recovery period, coinciding with the playoffs, ultimately led to him missing the entire postseason, solidifying the reality of his season-ending diagnosis.

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If he can't catch up to the warm-up game, he will be very disappointed.

Having exercised his $25 million player option for the final year of his contract in June, VanVleet is now focused on the upcoming season. He exuded confidence, asserting his belief that he can significantly contribute to the Rockets' championship aspirations.

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Feels very much like a rookie.