The Houston Rockets secured free agent wing Josh Okogie on a one-year contract on Tuesday, bringing their roster to 14 players on standard deals. This move likely signals the end of their free-agent signings this offseason due to strict salary cap limitations affecting future acquisitions.
According to analyst Keith Smith,
“With Josh Okogie signed, the Houston Rockets are now about $1.25M under their first-apron hard cap. That’s not enough room to fit in another player. Without another move, the Rockets will run with 14 players on standard deals to start the season.”
—Keith Smith, NBA Insider
Need for Ball-Handling Depth Increases Pressure on Young Guards
Before Okogie’s signing, many had anticipated the Rockets would add another ball-handler to bolster their bench unit. Currently, Fred VanVleet remains the only proven floor general on the roster capable of managing both the starting lineup and brief stretches with the second unit. However, VanVleet’s minutes with the bench will be limited, which leaves a significant gap in playmaking for the secondary group.
Aaron Holiday provided valuable energy and three-point shooting off the bench last season, though he does not meet the team’s criteria for a consistent offensive initiator. This shortfall places amplified responsibility on Reed Sheppard, the Rockets’ 2024 No. 3 overall draft pick, to make a substantial leap in his sophomore season and become a reliable scorer and playmaker.
Reed Sheppard’s Offensive Development is Critical
Sheppard struggled offensively during his rookie year, averaging only 4.4 points and 1.4 assists per game on 35.1 percent shooting. To meaningfully contribute to the Rockets’ offense, he must improve his efficiency significantly. His Summer League performance showed signs of development, with some impressive off-dribble shots and occasional pick-and-roll executions, though his field goal percentage remained low at 36.4 percent, coupled with an average of 4.5 turnovers per game.
Sheppard’s freshman year at Kentucky displayed his potential, where he posted efficient shooting splits of 53.6 percent from the field, 52.1 percent from three-point range, and an 83.1 percent free throw percentage, along with 4.5 assists per game. While replicating those numbers in the NBA is unrealistic, reaching a level somewhere between those college statistics and his rookie season would be a step forward for the Rockets.
Defensive Strength and Leadership Role for Sheppard
Despite offensive struggles, Sheppard has been a consistently strong defender in both the NBA and Summer League. The Rockets require a more versatile guard who can lead their second unit, which features athletic wings and physically imposing big men, to complement their defensive identity. In the intensity of a playoff environment, effective decision-making and scoring become invaluable traits, which the team hopes Sheppard can provide.
Roster Outlook and Future Considerations
With the cap space tightly limited and the roster largely set, the Houston Rockets are counting heavily on Reed Sheppard to develop quickly into a trustworthy offensive force. The team’s lack of ball-handling depth behind VanVleet emphasizes the need for Sheppard to elevate his game, both in decision-making and scoring efficiency. Their ability to compete this upcoming season may hinge on his breakout and the contributions from young players like Josh Okogie and Aaron Holiday.
As the season approaches, the Rockets’ management and coaching staff will closely monitor Sheppard’s progress, knowing that without further roster changes, their offensive success depends significantly on his growth.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Reed Sheppard wear 15?
A. In June 2023, Sheppard started at the University of Kentucky after finishing high school. He was given jersey number 15, the same number as his father’s.
Q. How high can Reed Sheppard jump?
A. In a conversation, Reed Sheppard shared that his highest vertical jump was 42 inches.
Q. Can Reed Sheppard play in the NBA?
A. In the 2024 NBA draft, the Houston Rockets chose Sheppard as the third overall pick. He agreed to a rookie deal with them on July 3, 2024.