Although several teams struggle to find competent guards, the Houston Rockets have more than enough to play-make, space the floor, and get a stop defensively. One-time all-star Fred VanVleet does a little of each, making him Houston’s leader on and off the court.
Just behind VanVleet stand Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and Reggie Bullock. These three guards dominate their roles, coercing head coach Ime Udoka to keep them on the floor for as long as possible. Consequently, other young and elusive guards will be limited in opportunities to make an impact in legitimate minutes.
Given the abundance of guards employed by the Rockets, many fans expected the front office to select a wing, or even a center, with the third overall pick. Instead, the Rockets drafted Reed Sheppard, a three-level scorer from one of the best programs in the nation.
By the end of the season, Reed Sheppard will evolve into a starter for the Houston Rockets.
Despite other needs in the draft, the Houston Rockets selected the best player available in Reed Sheppard. This strategy seems always to pay off, as Sheppard could quickly develop into the face of H-Town shortly.
Through a one-and-done season for the Kentucky Wildcats, Sheppard averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds in 28.9 minutes. These numbers hold significant value when taking into account his true shooting percentage of 69.9. This is generational, especially for a six-foot-three-inch guard who attempts shots from various distances.
The coaching staff should immediately allow Sheppard to chip in with 20 minutes off the bench. This provides the former four-star recruit with a fair amount of time to contribute and earn more opportunities as the season advances. Concomitantly, the front office can test his patience and adjust appropriately.
That said, despite being a rookie, Sheppard ranks relatively high in Houston’s rotation. His skill set and IQ are ahead of his time, and he will thrive next to stars like VanVleet and Green. Sheppard made a name for himself in summer league, and he will do so once again once the regular season kicks off.
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