The Houston Rockets are showing strong faith in the offensive abilities of Reed Sheppard, a promising young talent. According to Tim MacMahon on ESPN’s The Hoop Collective podcast, Sheppard, the Rockets’ No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has been delivering impressive performances lately.
Reed Sheppard’s Recent Performance
Sheppard has been on a scoring spree, recording at least 12 points in each of his last four games. This marks a significant improvement, as he had previously managed double-digit scores consecutively only once in his first 58 games. His average over this four-game stretch stands at 16.3 points, along with 3.0 assists and 2.3 steals, all while playing around 24 minutes per game. His shooting percentages are also noteworthy: 65.8% overall and 60.0% from beyond the arc.
Positive Impact on Team Success
During these games, the Rockets performed well, achieving a +5.3 scoring differential with Sheppard on the court. As a result, the team is enjoying a strong record of 7 wins and 3 losses, having secured seven victories in their last eight outings. Sheppard’s scoring is clearly contributing to this success.
Concerns About Defense
While Sheppard’s offensive skills shine, there are some defensive concerns. MacMahon noted that Houston often employs a zone defense to compensate for Sheppard’s current struggles as an on-ball defender. This strategy allows the Rockets to protect him while he continues to improve his game.
- Height: 6-foot-2
- Weight: 185 pounds
Head coach Ime Udoka has been cautious in implementing defensive experiments during the challenging early part of the season, as the Rockets faced one of the toughest schedules in the league. However, with a more manageable schedule on the horizon, there may be opportunities for increased experimentation.
Upcoming Opportunities
The Rockets will attempt to build on their positive momentum with two home games this weekend. They will face the Portland Trail Blazers on November 14 and the Orlando Magic on November 16. Both games are set to be broadcast regionally on the Space City Home Network and nationally on NBA League Pass.
As Sheppard gains more experience and confidence, the Houston Rockets will likely explore new strategies to leverage his offensive star potential. With the right development, Reed Sheppard could become a vital player for the franchise.
