Fred VanVleet is poised to make his second comeback this month.
The Rockets point guard is listed as probable to play against the Suns on Wednesday, according to Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle. He fully participated in what coach Ime Udoka described as a light practice on Tuesday (Twitter links).
VanVleeet has missed 16 of the last 17 games due to a right ankle strain. He sat out 11 consecutive games, then played against Sacramento on March 1. VanVleet was limited to three points on 1-of-8 shooting in 35 minutes but also had five rebounds, five assists and three steals in that contest. However, he reinjured the ankle that game when he stepped on a referee’s foot.
VanVleet is averaging 14.4 points and 5.8 assists in 46 starts this season. His expected return comes at an opportune time. The team’s other primary playmaker, Amen Thompson, is expected to be out 10-to-14 days due to a left ankle sprain.
VanVleet’s status with the Rockets will be one of the big storylines this offseason. The team holds a $44,886,930 option on his contract for next season. His effectiveness the remainder of the regular season and during the postseason could go a long way in determining whether that option will be exercised.
FVV means more than his cap number to the Rockets and his underlying metrics always point to a player who positively affects winning, not too mention guiding a young squad, he won’t leave and they won’t make him
Terrible contract but at least it was only for 3 years.