Rockets’ Point Guard Depth a Crucial Factor in Championship Aspirations
The Houston Rockets are set to embark on a new NBA season with heightened expectations, a stark contrast to recent years. Following an impressive 2024-25 campaign, where they finished with a 52-30 record and secured the second seed in a fiercely competitive Western Conference, the team is eyeing championship glory for the first time since the James Harden era. However, as the season approaches, a glaring concern looms over the roster—depth at the point guard position.
Roster Enhancements and Championship Aspirations
The Rockets made significant moves this offseason, trading for superstar Kevin Durant and bolstering their lineup with seasoned players like Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela. These additions, combined with the anticipated development of their young core, have transformed Houston into a formidable contender. Despite falling to the Golden State Warriors in a first-round playoff upset last season, the team’s offseason strategy suggests they are ready to make a deeper run this time around.
Yet, as noted by ESPN’s Kevin Pelton, no roster is without its weaknesses. For Houston, the point guard situation has emerged as a potential Achilles’ heel. Pelton highlighted that while the starting lineup may not exhibit significant flaws, the bench’s lack of reliable point guard depth could pose challenges throughout the season.
Sheppard’s Development and Holiday’s Experience
The Rockets are pinning their hopes on Reed Sheppard, the third overall pick in the 2024 draft, to address this depth issue in his sophomore season. Sheppard’s rookie year was a struggle, as he logged just 654 minutes, often failing to secure a consistent role in the rotation. Now, with a year of experience under his belt, the organization believes he can evolve into a critical contributor on both ends of the floor.
In the meantime, veteran Aaron Holiday provides a safety net. Having seen slightly more playing time last season, Holiday offers a seasoned presence, especially in high-pressure situations. During moments when the Rockets’ inexperience became evident in the playoffs, Holiday emerged as a stabilizing force, particularly defensively. As a 28-year-old journeyman, he represents a low-risk option behind Fred VanVleet, who remains the starter.
Concerns Over VanVleet’s Performance
However, the Rockets face a dilemma. If Sheppard does not develop into a reliable option, or if Holiday cannot elevate his game when called upon, VanVleet may find himself logging heavy minutes. The former All-Star had a subpar season by his standards, shooting just 37.8% from the field and 34.5% from three-point range. While he managed to average 14.1 points, the Rockets will need him to elevate his performance alongside the team’s overall offensive efficiency.
As the season approaches, it is clear that while Houston possesses solid depth across many positions, the point guard role remains a critical area of concern. The success of the Rockets’ championship aspirations could very well hinge on the development of Sheppard and the contributions of Holiday. For now, all eyes will be on how this dynamic unfolds as the team prepares for what promises to be an exciting season.
