Reed Sheppard needs to be more involved

The Houston Rockets are off to a solid 15-7 start to the season, without significant contributions from 2024 No. 3 overall pick Reed Sheppard.

Sheppard has struggled to see the field this season, averaging just under 12 minutes per game with Amen Thompson and Tari Eason off the bench and veteran guard Fred VanVleet playing consistently in the starting lineup.

The rookie didn’t accomplish much in his limited playing time, scoring 3.8 points per game on just 37% shooting from the field and 33% from the three-point line.

To say he was overshadowed by the other draftees in the 2024 NBA Draft is an understatement, with Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain having a standout season and Zaccharie Risacher providing solid minutes for the Atlanta Hawks.

Sheppard simply didn’t have a chance, but if Houston wants to become true championship contenders in the West, it needs to find ways to get its young player involved.

VanVleet has played just over 35 minutes per game in 22 games this season, a number Houston would like to reduce as it will need its veteran guard for the long haul. However, what backup point guard role to fill if VanVleet sits still needs to be figured out.

Coming out of college at Kentucky, Sheppard was a highly touted prospect with elite shooting percentages despite high usage rates. He was less hesitant with his shot because he had to bring more of it up, and this gave him a better feel for his shot.

He was also considered an underrated playmaker at Kentucky, averaging 4.5 assists per game over his career there, and a fierce defensive player, posting 3.2 steals and blocks per game as a freshman.

The rookie guard has shown off his quick defensive ability in the NBA earlier this season, but has yet to find his rhythm as a playmaker, which is another reason for his limited playing time off the bench behind VanVleet. Admittedly, as the eighth or ninth man in the rotation, he didn’t have much opportunity to showcase his playing ability.

The Rockets will have to find ways to get him the ball, whether it’s in screen-and-roll play with star center Alperen Şengün or having him lead the second unit with Steven Adams. Regardless, Sheppard needs the ball in his hands to become a viable threat at the point guard position in the NBA.

If Sheppard can prove he’s capable of running an offense this season, Houston could finally have solved its point guard role behind VanVleet and have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a rare, true 10-man rotation in the NBA present that would help further establish himself as a point guard contender in the Western Conference.

Would you like to join the discussion? How Missiles on SI Facebook and Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on the latest Rockets news. You can do that too Get to know the team behind the reporting.