Rockets’ Reed Sheppard Emerges as a Breakout Star Amid Point Guard Debate
The Houston Rockets find themselves in the midst of a point guard discussion that has gathered momentum in recent weeks. There is a prevailing sentiment that they need a traditional floor general to orchestrate their offense more effectively. While the addition of such a player could certainly enhance their game, the narrative surrounding this need may be somewhat overstated. After all, the Rockets currently possess the league’s top-ranked offensive unit, showcasing their ability to score despite the ongoing conversations about their backcourt.
Sengun’s Role in the Offense
At the heart of Houston’s offensive strategy is Alperen Sengun, whose versatility allows him to serve as a focal point in the halfcourt. His ability to facilitate plays and create scoring opportunities has made him invaluable. Additionally, Amen Thompson, while not your prototypical point guard, brings a unique athleticism that adds a different dimension to the Rockets’ gameplay.
Yet, amid these discussions, Reed Sheppard often flies under the radar. His name rarely comes up in conversations about the team’s need for a point guard, which is somewhat surprising, given his recent resurgence on the court.
Sheppard’s Rising Impact
Under the guidance of head coach Ime Udoka, Sheppard’s playing time has seen a notable uptick recently. Over the last three games, he has averaged 26.7 minutes, a significant increase compared to the 16.5 minutes he logged in the previous four. This growing trust from the coaching staff reflects his development and contributions on the court.
Recognized for his potential, Sheppard has even made it onto Yahoo Sports’ Morten Stig Jensen’s All-Breakout Teams, earning a spot on the Second Team. His scoring average of 12.2 points per game might prompt some to question the breakout label, but his performance tells a different story.
Shooting Prowess and Potential
What Sheppard has displayed, particularly in his shooting, is impressive. He has converted an astonishing 50% of his three-point attempts this season, taking 5.6 shots from beyond the arc each game. Watching him shoot is a delight; his quick trigger and fluid release evoke memories of legendary shooters like Mark Price, Steve Nash, and Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf.
Even if Sheppard doesn’t fully realize the potential associated with being a third overall draft pick in 2024, his ability to create and hit three-pointers suggests he could carve out a successful 15-year career in the NBA. This outcome would undoubtedly benefit both him and the Rockets, especially in light of Fred VanVleet’s recent season-ending knee injury.
The Path Ahead for Sheppard
While the prospect of Sheppard transforming into a player of Nash’s caliber—a two-time MVP and Hall of Famer—remains a lofty goal, it would require a shift in how the Rockets utilize him. So far, he has primarily operated off the ball, with limited opportunities to take on a primary playmaking role.
For Sheppard to reach the same heights as Nash, he will also need to improve his free throw shooting, as Nash’s career mark of 90.4% stands in stark contrast to Sheppard’s current 57.1% rate. However, one area where Sheppard already excels is defense, where he has shown marked improvement compared to his peers.
In a season filled with questions for the Rockets, Reed Sheppard’s evolution into a key contributor offers a glimmer of hope. As he continues to develop his game, both fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how he fits into the team’s future.
