Reed Sheppard’s first year with the Houston Rockets saw him struggle for playing time despite the team’s strong 52-win season. Joining a roster packed with veterans and playoff aspirations, Sheppard found it difficult to secure meaningful minutes, averaging just 12.6 minutes per game. This limited opportunity came as the Rockets finished the regular season as the second seed in the Western Conference, leaving scant room for a rookie to shine under head coach Ime Udoka, who prefers experienced players.
Sheppard’s rookie season was a period of learning, where the challenge was not a lack of talent but rather the depth of the Rockets’ lineup. The team’s competitive window left little incentive to rely heavily on a newcomer during high-stakes moments, which delayed Sheppard’s chance to make an impact.
Dominant Performances in the G-League Showcase His Talent
While Sheppard’s NBA time was limited, his brief assignment with Houston’s G-League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, revealed his potential. In just three games, where he averaged over 35 minutes each, Sheppard exploded offensively, posting an impressive 30.7 points per game. Alongside scoring, he contributed 7.3 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.7 steals per outing, demonstrating all-around ability.
His shooting efficiency was notable, converting 47 percent from the field and an outstanding 40.5 percent from three on a significant number of attempts. A perfect free-throw record and a true shooting percentage of 65.8 percent added to his strong statistical showing, confirming his capability to dominate at the developmental level.
Summer League Highlights Showcase Growing Confidence
Continuing his upward trajectory, Sheppard used the NBA Summer League as a platform to further prove himself. His performance across two games averaged 23 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, along with notable defensive stats of 4 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. Although his shooting percentages dipped to 36.4 percent overall and 31.8 percent from three-point range, his overall influence on the court remained undeniable.
Critics took notice, with Michael Pina of The Ringer remarking,
“Sheppard is a high-upside prospect on a contender who, for the time being, needs to excel off the bench as a movement shooter who handles the ball without turning it over.”
—Michael Pina, NBA analyst
Pina stressed that Sheppard’s raw production in a limited sample size was more revealing than his shooting accuracy, highlighting the player’s potential as a reliable and effective contributor coming off the bench.
Emerging as a Key Role Player for the Rockets
Over two Summer League games spanning 61 minutes, Sheppard accumulated 46 points, illustrating a versatile offensive skill set that includes attacking the rim and confidence in ball handling. His athleticism was also evident on defense, where his instincts and active play were clear strengths.
With the Rockets facing a lack of depth at guard and a pressing need for consistent outside shooting, Sheppard’s skill set is well-suited to fill an expanded role. His college background as a sharp long-range shooter, having made 52.1 percent of his three-point attempts, suggests he can provide significant spacing and scoring off the bench.
This combination of opportunity and readiness positions Reed Sheppard well to make a meaningful leap in his second NBA season, potentially becoming a valuable asset in Houston’s competitive plans moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Reed Sheppard wear 15?
A. College Journey Sheppard joined the University of Kentucky in June 2023, soon after finishing high school. He wore jersey number 15, which was his dad’s number.
Q. Why is Reed Sheppard so good?
A. Reed Sheppard achieved a maximum vertical jump of 42 inches.