Houston Rockets Have FOUND Their Franchise Point Guard
Reed Sheppard’s rise has become one of the biggest storylines of our season — and not by accident. After Fred VanVleet’s ACL injury left a massive void at point guard, Ime Udoka turned to a “point guard by committee” approach. That decision thrust Sheppard into a bigger role earlier than expected, and he has responded with elite efficiency, high IQ basketball, and a skillset that perfectly elevates the stars around him.
Sheppard isn’t a ball-dominant floor general yet, but he is the ideal complementary guard for a team in win-now mode. His 63.8% True Shooting and 47.7% from three have transformed our jumbo lineups, giving Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and Steven Adams the spacing and rhythm they need to operate. Whether it’s relocating to punish KD doubles, timing cuts off Şengün post touches, or giving Adams and Eason clean outlets in “twin tower” sets, Reed’s chemistry with the roster is undeniable — and the lineup data proves it with a +33.9 Net Rating alongside the starters.
Defensively, he’s no liability either. His instincts, anticipation, and 1.6 steals per game give the team a disruptive perimeter presence, and his synergy with Amen Thompson forms a balanced backcourt where Reed’s shooting opens lanes for Amen’s elite downhill game.
Looking ahead, Sheppard’s development hinges on tightening his handle against pressure, expanding his off-the-dribble creation, and growing as a playmaker when defenses lock in. If he continues producing at this level, he becomes a cost-controlled long-term answer at guard — a massive asset for a contender. If not, the front office has the flexibility to pivot at the trade deadline.
Right now, Reed is passing every test thrown at him. His shooting, IQ, and chemistry with our core make him an essential piece of a championship-caliber roster — and his growth could be the swing factor in how far this team goes.
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14 Comments
Reed needs to see John Stockton Amen needs to see The Dream …
Reed sheppard realizing his talent the way he is with this team is gargantuan for the Rockets. Gargantuan!
He keeps doing this, that almost makes them unstoppable in my opinion
I think Reeds defensive prowse is underrated. He's always active and extremely disruptive on defense. I can see it. He's above average in that reguard. The too small narrative is tired and weak, this kid can hoop.
FVV going down is the best thing that happened to them
Reed 6 2'" 1/2
As you know, I am a huge Reed fan. I enjoy the love you are giving him, but I think a better assessment is that the Rockets have their FUTURE backcourt in Reed and Amen.
You touched on how they complement each other, but my point is that they will be interchangeable at the PG and SG roles.
They are going to be one of the best starting backcourt duos ever. Teams will not be able to guard both of them.
It is just a matter of time before Udoka switches to a starting lineup of Reed, Amen, KD, Jabari & Sengun. Yes, Udoka will still play the Double Big when needed.
When KD is gone, Udoka will replace him with Tari (if he can stay healthy).
🇮🇪🇮🇪
SMH.
I had a blockbuster trade.
But just for Rockets, trading KD, SUNS should've gotten J Green, Reed Sheppard, & 1st round pick at least
I think you’re right on bro! Think Reed can be the gas to a Championship in Houston this year!!😊😊😊
I really hate that you said this team is in win now mode I still hate the fact that we traded for kd I think it’s extremely dumb that we think we need trade assets to get players instead of letting shit develop okc has draft picks for days competing against them with young team for one or two seasons while you have kd is dumb we should be playing the long game we have an elite shooter center a solid powerforward amen adams tari if we can’t win with this then it’s just not our time we can’t afford to give away picks and shorten our window okay the long game like San Antonio and okc that’s how you be great for a long time F kd as a rockets fan
I m very happy for Sheppard,I want to see him doing well in the NBA.God bless him
He just needs development, he is going to be the best PG in the league, which is why the Rockets picked him at #3 overall. Lineup will be Sheppard, Thompson, Durant, Smith and Sengun with Adams, Tari & Finney-Smith in the rotation.
Cocaine Curry
You lost me in the first minute. Championship or bust window? We have our young core under contract meaning after next season we will still have Sengun, Bari, Amen Thompson with a ton of cap space. Sengun is 24 yrs old.
We have 2 year window to maximize KD but it’s not a championship or bust situation. We still have unprotected first rounders in the next two years. With Reed Sheppard showing how high his ceiling could be(he’s 21 yrs old btw) the future is bright with or without KD.