Houston Rockets face challenges as Reed Sheppard’s role is overlooked
The Houston Rockets are grappling with a troubling trend as a series of heartbreaking losses accumulate. Despite facing some of the league’s weaker teams, the Rockets have faltered in crucial moments, failing to secure late-game victories. This inability to perform under pressure is hindering their progress and aspirations of becoming a legitimate contender in the NBA.
Addressing the Offensive Shortcomings
While some of the Rockets’ issues may seem insurmountable this season, there are areas ripe for improvement, particularly in their offensive strategy. One potential remedy lies in increasing Reed Sheppard’s on-ball opportunities. Over the past few weeks, Sheppard’s offensive involvement has diminished, and his skill set could provide the spark the team desperately needs.
Sheppard possesses lead guard abilities, which could enhance the Rockets’ ball-handling stability. Currently, players like Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. have absorbed more on-ball responsibilities, but the results have been inconsistent. The Rockets initially hoped Thompson would emerge as a reliable on-ball threat, yet his struggles with scoring and ball handling have raised questions about his effectiveness in that role. By leaning into Sheppard’s development, Houston could unlock a more efficient offensive flow.
The Ball Handling Dilemma
Despite potential short-term fixes, the Rockets’ late-game collapses highlight a more profound issue: the team’s reliance on Fred VanVleet as their primary ball handler. With VanVleet sidelined due to injury for the remainder of the season, the Rockets are left vulnerable. Relying solely on Durant and Alperen Sengun to generate offense through pick-and-roll plays has proven insufficient. Durant, while a formidable scorer, lacks the ball-handling finesse necessary to minimize turnovers, and Sengun requires space to operate effectively. When they are forced into difficult shots, the Rockets’ offensive rebounding strength, which had previously masked some of their shooting woes, is diminished.
Rebounding and Defensive Concerns
The team’s rebounding advantage is further compromised by the inconsistent presence of Steven Adams and the delayed return of Tari Eason. Eason’s contributions would not only bolster their rebounding efforts but also enhance on-ball defense during crucial moments. His ability to share the defensive workload with Thompson could alleviate some of the pressure on the latter, who has faced significant challenges this season.
Looking Ahead
As the Rockets navigate through the season, there remains hope that a full roster could lead to improvements in their performance. However, the current outlook presents a stark contrast to the success enjoyed by other contenders, who continue to find ways to win despite their own injury challenges. The Rockets must confront these issues head-on to evolve from a struggling team into a competitive force.
