Houston Rockets pursue point guard solution as Sheppard excels amid VanVleet’s trade speculation
The Houston Rockets find themselves in a familiar predicament: the quest for a reliable point guard. Coach Ime Udoka has primarily deployed Amen Thompson in the lead role, but Kevin Porter Jr. has also stepped in as a facilitator at times. However, a rising star is making waves in the backcourt – Reed Sheppard. As he continues to shine, he emerges as a potential long-term answer for the Rockets, especially as the future of Fred VanVleet grows uncertain.
Sheppard’s Impact on the Court
Sheppard’s recent performances are hard to ignore. With a shooting percentage of 42.2% from beyond the arc, he is contributing an average of 13.4 points per game. More impressively, he has demonstrated his playmaking prowess, averaging nearly five assists in Houston’s last seven outings, with a commendable assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.6 assists to just one turnover.
Despite being primarily utilized in an off-ball capacity to accentuate his shooting skills, Sheppard’s ability to run the pick-and-roll is crucial for a Rockets team desperately seeking stability at the point guard position. His defensive struggles have been noted, yet his offensive contributions cannot be overlooked, making him a key figure in Houston’s backcourt.
VanVleet’s Uncertain Future
The landscape surrounding Fred VanVleet’s role in Houston is murky. Originally signed to a lucrative two-year deal worth $50 million, the restructured contract has created complexities, including a no-trade clause stemming from the nature of his agreement, which affords him a player option in the second year. As the Rockets evaluate their options, VanVleet’s $25 million salary could serve as a significant asset in trade discussions.
Rumors are circulating about a potential trade involving Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young, and the Rockets are being mentioned as a possible facilitator in this scenario. Dusty Garza from Fox Sports highlights that if the Rockets’ performance continues to falter, Udoka might consider leveraging VanVleet’s lucrative contract and a collection of draft picks acquired from the Suns and Nets to secure point guard assistance that could help revitalize the team’s fortunes.
Trade Speculation and Future Directions
While the trade deadline looms, the Rockets may opt to maintain their current roster or pursue minor, less publicized trades. The buyout market appears to be a more plausible avenue for improvement at this stage. However, if the opportunity arises to act as a third team in a potential trade involving Young, it could allow Houston to acquire valuable draft assets while retaining VanVleet, who remains a key player on the roster.
As the Rockets navigate through this pivotal season, Sheppard’s emergence and VanVleet’s uncertain future will undoubtedly shape the direction of the franchise, both in the immediate and long-term. The stakes are high, and the decisions made in the coming weeks could redefine the team’s landscape.
