How much of a change can just a few days make in a franchise’s aspirations? Well, a lot. Just ask the Houston Rockets. Not too long ago, they were poised to be the main threat to the OKC Thunder, but Fred VanVleet’s untimely injury has put a massive dent in their plans for the upcoming season. While many believe that the Rockets could use youngsters such as Reed Sheppard or Amen Thompson in a more playmaking role and stay afloat for the season and maximize Kevin Durant’s time with the team. But to become real contenders, they need a proven talent.

This isn’t just what we think; several analysts also share this thought. That’s because even though there’s a chance Sheppard or Thompson could replicate VanVleet’s production, something that both these budding stars cannot bring to the table is

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