The Houston Rockets took a big step forward towards contention this summer, but there are still some question marks in a few aspects of their team. Kevin Durant will certainly help their halfcourt offense, but the Rockets need more shooting and backcourt talent to challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference.
Unless Reed Sheppard starts showing why he was the third-overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The former Kentucky star came into the league with high expectations after putting together a highly efficient and productive college season in his lone NCAA year. So far, things haven't gone his way in the NBA, and with Houston's championship window now accelerated, Sheppard has no chance but to show major improvement soon.
Start of the 2025-26 Season Will Be Reed Sheppard's Last Chance
The Rockets demonstrated their faith in Sheppard by not acquiring another guard this summer despite Jalen Green's departure. Houston is obviously hoping that the shot creation and shot making that the team lost can be made up by Sheppard in his second year.
On paper, they have a point. Sheppard's ability to play both on and off the ball makes him an intriguing fit. He can shoot, run the pick and roll, and provide secondary playmaking. But he has to prove that he can do this at the NBA level before a team with championship aspirations can fully trust him.
Sheppard's shot hasn't fallen so far during his Rockets tenure, making 35.7% of his field goal attempts and 34.3% of his threes last season. The Summer League wasn't that much better.
If that continues to be the case, the Rockets will not have a choice but to put him on the trade block. Sheppard makes $10.6 million for next season, making him the perfect trade asset if the Rockets want to take back a mid-size contract in return. That salary, plus the draft capital Houston has, could land them a true difference-maker in the backcourt. Whether that ends up happening will depend on how Sheppard begins the season.