The Southwest Division of the NBA has seen notable performances recently, highlighting the impact of several young talents. The teams involved are the Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, and New Orleans Pelicans.
Sheppard’s Triumph in Houston
Rockets guard Reed Sheppard made his first start of the season on Monday in a game against Phoenix. Despite shooting only 2-of-9 from the floor, he provided five assists and three steals in 27 minutes. Houston outscored their opponents by six points while Sheppard was on the court.
This performance marks the eighth consecutive game in which the Rockets have had a positive scoring differential during Sheppard’s minutes. At just 21 years old, he is averaging 13.1 points and 3.2 assists per game with impressive shooting percentages of .490 from the field, .471 from three-point range, and .706 from the free-throw line.
Head coach Ime Udoka praised Sheppard’s growth, emphasizing his increased opportunities due to injuries. Sheppard started in place of veteran Kevin Durant, who is out for personal reasons.
Edey’s Rise with the Grizzlies
Memphis center Zach Edey recently returned after missing the first 13 games due to ankle surgery. Unfortunately, he exited early from his fifth game back due to a head injury, a setback for the Grizzlies.
Edey’s presence has significantly impacted the team, which has a +16.5 net rating during his time on the court. Without him, that rating drops to -8.0. Teammate Cedric Coward highlighted Edey’s importance, noting how his presence improves both offensive and defensive play.
Coward’s Impact on the Grizzlies
Coward has been a standout rookie for Memphis, outperforming expectations after his draft selection at No. 11. Despite limited experience in Division I basketball due to injury, he has quickly made his mark. A Western Conference scout noted Coward’s comfort and productivity at the NBA level, making the trade-up for him a smart decision for Memphis.
Pelicans’ Strategy and the Return of Williamson
The New Orleans Pelicans have demonstrated the significant impact of Zion Williamson’s presence on the court. In a recent game against Chicago, the Pelicans scored 143 points, a stark contrast to the 98 points they managed in the previous game while Williamson was sidelined.
Williamson led the team with 29 points against Chicago, showcasing the collective effort with eight players reaching double figures. Interim head coach James Borrego celebrated the comprehensive team win, marking his first victory since taking over the coaching role.
Rookie Trends in the NBA
The Pelicans continue to develop their young talent, with several rookies, including Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen, and Micah Peavy, seeing regular playing time due to injuries among veterans. This focus on youth may strengthen the team’s performance as the season progresses.
- Reed Sheppard: 13.1 PPG, 3.2 APG, key contributor for the Rockets.
- Zach Edey: Injury concerns impact Grizzlies, crucial to their strategy.
- Cedric Coward: Productive rookie, showing impressive skills early in his career.
- Zion Williamson: Essential for Pelicans’ scoring ability upon his return.
The Southwest Division is shaping up to be an arena of emerging talent. With Sheppard, Edey, Coward, and Williamson, these young players are paving the way for their teams in the competitive landscape of the NBA.
