The Houston Rockets' deep preseason backcourt has sparked questions about second-year guard Reed Sheppard's place in the rotation. Following a 116-89 preseason victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 15, the team's guard additions have performed well, putting Sheppard's immediate role under a microscope.
It's a complex question with no simple answer. The Rockets have added significant veteran guard depth this offseason. New acquisition Bogdan Bogdanovic is shooting 41.2% from three in preseason action. Marcus Smart defends with his trademark intensity. Fred VanVleet, despite shooting struggles, is averaging 7.5 assists with minimal turnovers, organizing the offense effectively.
Sheppard, the third overall pick in 2024, has been good. He's hitting 44.0% of his 8.3 three-point attempts per game this preseason. All signs point to him becoming an elite NBA shooter. But his defensive limitations are glaring. He often looks overmatched on that end, a potential fatal flaw for a coach like Ime Udoka who prioritizes defensive versatility.
The preseason has only highlighted the logjam. VanVleet is the established starter and floor general. Smart and Bogdanovic are proven veterans who fill specific roles. Asking Udoka to play Sheppard over Smart for major minutes is currently unrealistic. The defensive gap between them is substantial.
Bogdanovic isn't a lockdown defender either, but he possesses more size and experience. The Rockets can't afford to have multiple defensive liabilities on the floor, especially alongside center Alperen Sengun. Playing both Sengun and Sheppard together could be a defensive nightmare most coaches would avoid.
Not necessarily. It's vital to remember this is preseason. Udoka is experimenting. Sheppard's trajectory has been fine; he jumped from 12.6 minutes per game as a rookie to 26.2 last season. That increase, however, came largely during a VanVleet injury absence.
Now, with a fully healthy and reinforced backcourt, his path to consistent playing time is murky. The team should keep all options open. His elite shooting is a rare and valuable skill. If the right trade emerges that balances the roster, it must be considered. But giving up on a talent like Sheppard prematurely would be a mistake.
The Rockets close their preseason schedule against the Dallas Mavericks at home on October 21. This final tune-up offers another data point for Udoka. Sheppard needs to show any defensive improvement he can. The regular season rotation will soon be set.
Sheppard's future isn't in immediate jeopardy, but his role is uncertain. He's caught in a numbers game behind established veterans. His shooting will earn him some minutes, but earning Udoka's full trust requires a two-way effort. Fans can track his progress and the team's upcoming matchups on our schedule page. For now, patience is required as the young guard handles a crowded Houston backcourt.
