Reed Sheppard’s rookie season with the Houston Rockets in 2024 was a rollercoaster of moments demonstrating his potential. The former Kentucky Wildcat, drafted third overall, showed flashes of high-caliber play during key games, scoring 25 points with five assists and two steals in Oklahoma City and putting up 20 points along with rebounds and assists against the Los Angeles Clippers. Yet, Sheppard struggled to find consistent playing time, appearing scoreless in 17 games and playing fewer than 10 minutes in 22 of his 55 appearances across 89 total Rockets games.
During the regular season, Sheppard averaged only 12.6 minutes per game, which dropped to 3.3 minutes in the playoffs. His limited role stemmed from a crowded backcourt and a team still defining its roster hierarchy despite his high draft status. However, with the Rockets eager to capitalize on their young talent, Sheppard’s sophomore season in 2025-26 promises a more prominent role, with many analysts placing him among the top sophomores to watch, especially as Houston reshapes its lineup.
Expectations Rise as Rockets Reshape Their Backcourt
Houston’s acquisition of superstar Kevin Durant and the departure of Jalen Green have opened up significant opportunities in the guard rotation. This shift pushes Sheppard into a projected role behind established players like Fred VanVleet and Amen Thompson. ESPN analyst Jeremy Woo highlighted that the Rockets have
“cleared significant backcourt minutes for Sheppard,”
positioning him for meaningful minutes and new responsibilities.
According to ESPN, Sheppard’s role will likely evolve into that of a versatile secondary ball-handler, playmaker, and shooter who can create space and support Houston’s star players. Woo noted,
“While he wasn’t especially noteworthy at summer league, Sheppard is worthy of optimism — he should be walking into an ideal role as a secondary handler, playmaker and spacer who can both operate off of and make life easier for Houston’s stars.”
His shooting ability will be crucial alongside Amen Thompson and center Alperen Sengun, helping the Rockets maintain offensive spacing. Defensively, Sheppard faces a challenge, as VanVleet and Sheppard together mean sacrificing some perimeter size, requiring him to continuously improve on that end.
Analysis of Sheppard’s Defensive Presence and Development Needs
Sheppard’s instincts help him win possessions, yet he is not regarded as a strong deterrent for opposing shooters. This mixed defensive evaluation reflects that while he shows promise, his impact on defense remains a question mark. Jeremy Woo summarized,
“Sheppard’s instincts for winning possessions help him on that end, but he’s not exactly a deterrent for opposing shooters, either.”
Despite this, the limited sample size of his rookie season means it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions about his overall impact. His sporadic minutes led to fewer opportunities to display his full skill set, leaving many observers eager to see his growth when given an expanded role next season.
Why Sheppard’s Sophomore Year Could Be a Breakout
The 2025-26 season represents a critical turning point for Sheppard and the Houston Rockets’ championship ambitions. With a more secured role and increased playing time, Sheppard has the chance to be a defining factor in their title chase. Jeremy Woo emphasized this opportunity, saying,
“Sheppard has the chance to be a huge swing factor in Houston’s title chase — in theory, he’s stepping into the perfect situation.”
Yet questions remain about how the Rockets might need to adjust their roster depth to accommodate his rise, and whether this season is the ideal time for Sheppard’s breakout. Woo remarked,
“The question is whether next season is the right time and how the Rockets might have to adjust their depth accordingly. The simple fact is that we haven’t really seen him yet, and what it means for Houston’s place in the arc of this season earns him the top spot on this list.”
Looking Ahead: Sheppard’s Role in Houston’s Ambitious Future
Sheppard’s sophomore season will be closely watched as Houston moves forward with high expectations fueled by its star acquisitions and developing talent. His ability to step into a key role as a playmaker and shooter could have a significant influence on the Rockets’ offensive balance and defensive schemes.
For the young guard from Laurel County, this season may mark his transition from potential to established contributor. The stage is set for Sheppard to turn his sporadic rookie flashes into consistent performance, shaping not only his career trajectory but also Houston’s pursuit of NBA success.
As the Rockets prepare for the 2025-26 campaign, all eyes are on Reed Sheppard. Go get ’em, Reed.