Fred VanVleet injury: Four things to know about its impact on Rockets, Durant

"The Houston Rockets looked ready to contend for the Western Conference heading into the preseason following deals for Kevin Durant and veteran role players Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela. Anchored by point guard Fred VanVleet, who signed a two-year, $50 million contract over the summer, all the pieces were in place for Houston to challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder for the title and contend for its first NBA championship since 1995."

"During an unofficial team workout in the Bahamas, VanVleet suffered a torn ACL that could sideline him for the season's entirety. Now, the Rockets are challenged with filling his spot in the lineup and locker room. How will the team deploy Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard and others as they try to stay in the conference race? Following the Rockets' preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, our NBA analysts broke down the injury's impact on the team, its players and what Houston could do to bolster its lineup."

"Durant is aware of his changing role in the aftermath of VanVleet's injury. Durant won't do it alone, but the All-Star veteran is naturally the key cog in Houston's by-committee approach to facilitating offense, according to Udoka. "I think it will be different guys kind of thrust into a role," the coach told ESPN. "For instance, [second-year guard] Reed [Sheppard], you take Amen [Thompson], guys that have done it some with Fred being out at times on a smaller stage."

The Houston Rockets entered the preseason bolstered by Kevin Durant and veteran additions Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela, with Fred VanVleet signed as the primary point guard and leader. VanVleet suffered a torn ACL during an unofficial workout in the Bahamas that could sideline him for the season. The team must now fill his lineup minutes and locker-room leadership, exploring options such as Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard. Coach Ime Udoka envisions a committee approach to facilitating offense with Durant as a central playmaking figure rather than a lone primary facilitator.

Read at ESPN.com