The NBA season is upon us, and several players are poised to make significant impacts. Among them, Reed Sheppard of the Houston Rockets stands out as a key player to watch this October.
Reed Sheppard: A Promising Start
Reed Sheppard was selected third overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. His summer league performance raised expectations. However, during the regular season, his playing time and effectiveness were limited due to Houston’s depth. Sheppard struggled with a shooting percentage of just 33.8% from beyond the arc and 35.1% overall, leaving him with a disappointing Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 9.7.
In Year 2, the Rockets face significant changes. They traded key players like Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, and Fred VanVleet’s recent ACL injury further complicates the roster. This scenario opens a pathway for Sheppard to take on a larger role. The team hopes he can improve his shooting and provide necessary spacing on offense.
Other Notable ‘Hinge’ Players
In addition to Sheppard, several other players hold potential as ‘hinge’ players for their respective teams. These include:
- John Collins, Clippers: Acquired in a trade for Norman Powell, Collins brings size to the power forward position. His ability to shoot from three-point range, with a career average of 36.3%, could transform the Clippers’ offense if utilized effectively alongside their big men.
- Kobe Bufkin, Nets: The Hawks’ former first-round pick may find playing time in Brooklyn due to the lack of established guards. He has a defensive skill set that could be beneficial as he seeks to redefine his role.
- Blake Wesley, Trail Blazers: Wesely faces competition but has the skills to excel as Portland navigates injuries in their backcourt. His defensive capabilities are expected to be crucial for the team.
- Jase Richardson, Magic: Drafted 25th, Richardson can provide shooting relief for an Orlando team that struggled from the three-point line last season. His college shooting percentage was impressive at 41.2%.
- Jaylon Tyson, Cavaliers: The 20th pick in the 2024 Draft, Tyson’s versatility and shooting potential could fill gaps in Cleveland’s wing depth, especially considering injury concerns among their top players.
Outlook for Hinge Players
This season presents a turning point for these players. With the right opportunities, they could significantly impact their teams’ success. For Sheppard and Collins, the pressure is on to prove their worth as pivotal contributors. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring their progress throughout the season.
