With just over a month to go before the NBA trade deadline, the Houston Rockets find themselves in an unusual - and enviable - position. They’ve got a rising young guard in Reed Sheppard who’s making a strong case for a bigger role, and now they’re facing a decision that could shape the rest of their season: Do they pursue a veteran point guard to replace the injured Fred VanVleet, or do they ride the wave of Sheppard’s breakout?
Let’s rewind for a moment. The Rockets entered the 2025-26 season with momentum and expectations.
After snapping a four-year playoff drought last season, Houston doubled down in the offseason, most notably by acquiring Kevin Durant in a blockbuster move that sent shockwaves through the league. The goal was clear: accelerate the rebuild and make a real push in the West.
But then came a major setback. Fred VanVleet, Houston’s floor general and locker room leader, suffered a season-ending ACL tear before the campaign could even get off the ground. That left a massive hole at the point - one not easily filled, especially for a team with postseason aspirations.
Enter Reed Sheppard.
The 21-year-old sophomore out of Kentucky has been steadily earning his stripes since the Rockets began giving him consistent minutes back on November 7. And he hasn’t just looked comfortable - he’s looked electric.
His 28-point outburst against the Denver Nuggets and a 31-point performance against the Golden State Warriors weren’t just flashes; they were statements. The kind of games that make coaches pause and front offices rethink their trade deadline plans.
According to league insiders, Houston is starting to see exactly what they hoped for when they selected Sheppard with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. His growth has been undeniable.
After averaging just 4.5 points per game in limited action during his rookie campaign, Sheppard has elevated his game in year two. Through 27 games this season, he’s putting up 13.3 points per game and shooting 45.3% from the field - a significant leap from last year’s 35.1% clip.
And it’s not just the raw numbers. It’s the poise, the confidence, the feel for the game that’s catching attention.
Sheppard’s ability to stretch the floor, make smart reads, and knock down shots from deep has been a major asset for Houston’s offense. This is the same player who turned heads at Kentucky with his range and court vision, and now he’s translating that skillset to the NBA stage.
The Rockets have gone 12-8 in games where Sheppard has logged 20 or more minutes - a solid mark that suggests his impact goes beyond the box score. He’s not just filling in; he’s helping them win.
So now the question becomes: What’s next?
With VanVleet sidelined, the Rockets could explore the trade market for a veteran point guard to stabilize the backcourt. But Sheppard’s emergence complicates that conversation.
If he continues on this trajectory - and if the team keeps winning - it might make more sense to let him grow into the role organically. After all, few things are more valuable in the NBA than a young, cost-controlled guard who can produce at a high level.
For head coach Ime Udoka and the Rockets’ front office, it’s a good problem to have. Sheppard is showing the kind of upside that teams dream about when they invest a top-three pick. And while his game still has room to grow, the early returns are promising.
If he can take that next step - improve his playmaking, tighten up defensively, and stay consistent - we might be witnessing the emergence of Houston’s next cornerstone. The Rockets don’t need to rush into a trade. Not when they’ve got a 21-year-old guard who's proving, night after night, that he belongs.
The ball’s in Sheppard’s hands now - literally and figuratively. And so far, he’s making the most of it.