Through the first 18 games of the season, Reed Sheppard has gone from a question mark to a clear asset for the Houston Rockets - and his trajectory suggests he’s just getting started.
Coming into the year, there were legitimate concerns about how quickly Sheppard could carve out a meaningful role in Houston’s backcourt. Would he be aggressive enough?
Could he handle the ball reliably under NBA pressure? So far, the answer to both has been a resounding yes.
He’s not just holding his own - he’s evolving fast.
Sheppard’s averaging 13.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting a blistering 45% from deep. Those numbers don’t just pop off the stat sheet - they tell the story of a player who’s growing into a bigger role by the week. But there’s one area of his game that’s starting to separate him from the pack: his ability to shoot off screens.
According to Sam Vecenie on the Game Theory Podcast, Sheppard’s movement shooting - especially his knack for relocating and firing off screens - is what makes him a real weapon. That’s not just a bonus skill; it’s something that can change the geometry of the floor for Houston’s offense.
And it’s arriving at the right time. The Rockets have been efficient from beyond the arc - second in the league in 3-point percentage - but they’re not letting it fly often enough, ranking near the bottom in attempts.
That’s a problem in today’s NBA, where spacing is everything. You can’t just make threes; you have to take them - and take them confidently - to force defenses to stretch and scramble.
That’s where Sheppard becomes so important. Houston doesn’t have a true perimeter gunner who’s willing to pull up from anywhere at any time.
Sheppard might not be that guy yet, but he’s showing signs that he could be. His efficient field goal percentage as a pick-and-roll ball-handler sits at 53.7%, and his comfort operating off screens is growing rapidly.
That’s not just about knocking down shots - it’s about creating gravity, bending defenses, and opening up space for teammates like Amen Thompson and Kevin Durant to attack downhill.
The Rockets also have the right personnel to make this work. With screen-setters like Steven Adams and Alperen Sengun, Sheppard has the support to thrive in two-man actions. As he gets more comfortable initiating offense, it could allow Thompson to shift into more of a slasher role - where his athleticism can really shine - particularly from the dunker spot.
And now, with Sheppard seemingly on track to enter the starting lineup for the foreseeable future, his impact could go from promising to pivotal. He may not be the focal point of the offense just yet, but his skill set fills a gap that’s been holding Houston back: a dynamic, confident shooter who can stretch the floor off movement.
If Sheppard continues on this path, he won’t just be a pleasant surprise - he’ll be a foundational piece of the Rockets’ offensive identity.