With many focusing on Houston Rockets floor general Fred VanVleet‘s torn ACL, the team’s latest update turns the attention towards another veteran. This week, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka confirmed that five-year veteran Jae’Sean Tate underwent offseason ankle surgery, thus adding another name to Houston’s growing injury list just two weeks before the regular season.
After preseason practice, Udoka told reporters Tate recently had surgery to address a right ankle impingement, an issue that had long lingered. Tate has already begun light workouts but is expected to miss the rest of the preseason. Udoka added that Dorian Finney-Smith, who is recovering from the same injury, remains sidelined and will likely be unavailable for opening night.
“They’re in the same boat,” Udoka says. “Tate is a little ahead in his rehab, but both are progressing well.”
Rockets Injury Update Confirms Jae’Sean Tate’s Offseason Surgery
Tate’s surgery marks the third significant offseason procedure for a Rockets rotation player. The 28-year-old forward had actually been managing the injury for years before electing for surgery to ensure long-term stability, according to Houston Chronicle reporter Danielle Lerner.
Last season, Tate averaged 7.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per contest (58 games), often providing defensive versatility and secondary playmaking off the bench. His absence could open temporary opportunities for Tari Eason, who has impressed in preseason action. With that in mind, the finer details of Tate’s recovery timeline haven’t been made public. However, the expectation is that he’ll return early in the upcoming regular season, if progress continues as planned.
Udoka confirms Tate has begun on-court shooting drills and is “moving comfortably.”
Finney-Smith Still Weeks Away
As for Finney-Smith, Udoka states that the nine-year veteran remains in the late stages of rehab. He’s participating in non-contact workouts and conditioning but has yet to be cleared for live play. Acquired in the offseason to boost Houston’s perimeter defense, Finney-Smith is expected to miss at least the first few games of the season. However, the medical staff is being cautious, prioritizing full mobility over an early return.
For Udoka, the setbacks are frustrating but not alarming. “We’re deep enough to manage,” he says. “Health is what matters most right now.”
Balancing Patience and Preparation
The Rockets’ preseason plan has shifted toward rotation flexibility as they await Tate and Finney-Smith’s returns. Players like Eason, Aaron Holiday, and Jeff Green have absorbed additional minutes, giving Udoka an extended look at lineup chemistry.
While not severe, the injuries will test Houston early on, particularly at the defensive end. To that point, both Tate and Finney-Smith are key to Udoka’s switch-heavy defensive identity. With the regular season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder approaching, the Rockets’ challenge will be blending urgency with caution.
For now, the recent Rockets injury update signals patience and optimism. Both forwards are expected to be back within the first month of the season, though Udoka made it clear the team won’t rush them. “They’re veterans. They know their bodies,” he surmises. “We’ll get them back when they’re fully right.”
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