The Houston Rockets were aggressive this offseason as they look to make a leap into title contention next season. They traded for superstar Kevin Durant while adding Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela in free agency.
These vets join young guys like Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Reed Sheppard.
Smith Jr., Sengun, and Thompson have all shown flashes thus far in their careers, but the Rockets will give Sheppard the chance to showcase what he can do in the 2025-26 season. They aren't going to make many moves going forward, so the team will likely stay as is.
The team is hoping he can step up and deliver in his sophomore campaign.
Reed Sheppard Will Get His Chance to Bounce Back Next Season
Another thing that stood out to me yesterday is that the Rockets are going to give Reed Sheppard plenty of opportunities to have a bigger role next season.
— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) July 8, 2025
At this moment doesn’t seem like they are making any other moves so Sheppard will have to step up.
“I mean Reed is just… pic.twitter.com/B5nAfMdhEI
Sheppard was selected with the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, but he wasn't able to produce much as a rookie. In 52 games with the Rockets, he averaged 4.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, with shooting 35.1% from the field, 33.8% from downtown, and 81.3% from the free-throw line.
Those numbers simply aren't good enough, so of course, Houston is expecting more out of him. He spent three games with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, where he poured in 30.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game.
It's clear he has the potential, which is why the Rockets drafted him that high. During his lone season at Kentucky in 2023-24, he averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.5 steals per game.
Sheppard showed the ability to be a solid catch-and-shoot threat who can put the ball on the floor when needed during his time in Kentucky.
With Houston cash-strapped going forward, they are going to lean on Sheppard this upcoming season. It's clear that Houston hasn't given up on him yet, but they are looking for growth. The 21-year-old could be a viable weapon off the bench for Houston. Whether that comes as a scorer, passer, or defender, they are looking for improvement, and it sounds like he'll have the chance to do so.