Reed Sheppard’s Growing Pains: Why the Rockets Are Still Betting on Their Young Guard
The Houston Rockets didn’t expect to lean this heavily on Reed Sheppard this season, but the NBA rarely sticks to the script. When veteran point guard Fred VanVleet went down with a torn right ACL, a big hole opened up in the backcourt-and Sheppard was the next man up.
Now, the second-year guard is being asked to fill some big shoes, and the results have been mixed. There are flashes of growth, sure.
Confidence that was missing during his rookie campaign is starting to show. But with more minutes comes more responsibility, and Sheppard is learning in real time just how unforgiving the NBA can be.
A Slump in the Spotlight
Let’s start with the obvious: Sheppard is in a shooting slump. Since dropping a career-high 31 points in a win over Golden State back in late November, the former third overall pick has struggled to find that same rhythm.
Over the 34 games since that breakout performance, he’s averaging 11.6 points on 38.6% shooting from the field and 34.4% from three. Those aren’t terrible numbers on their own, but they don’t scream “offensive engine,” either.
The last eight games, though, have been particularly rough. Sheppard is putting up just 9.6 points per game while shooting a tough 30.5% from the field.
His three-point shot-once considered a strength-has fallen off a cliff, connecting on just 10 of his last 50 attempts. That’s 20% from deep, and for a player whose value is tied so closely to his scoring ability, that’s a problem.
The Playmaking Puzzle
The shooting woes are only part of the story. Sheppard’s playmaking hasn’t quite clicked yet, either.
Over that same eight-game stretch, he’s averaging 1.4 assists to 1.4 turnovers per game. That kind of one-to-one ratio doesn’t cut it for a lead guard, especially on a team that needs more stability and creation in the halfcourt.
It’s important to remember Sheppard is still just 21 and in his first full season in the rotation. There’s a learning curve, and he’s right in the thick of it. But the Rockets are in a position where they need contributions now, and that’s where the tension lies-balancing development with the desire to compete.
Udoka’s Vote of Confidence
Despite the numbers, head coach Ime Udoka isn’t hitting the panic button. When asked about Sheppard’s struggles, Udoka called him a “great shooter” and expressed confidence that he’ll shoot his way out of the slump. That kind of public backing matters, especially for a young player trying to find his footing.
Coaches don’t always show their hand, but Udoka’s trust suggests the organization still believes in Sheppard’s long-term upside. They’re not just giving him minutes out of necessity-they’re investing in his growth.
Why It Matters for the Rockets
Here’s the reality: Sheppard’s offensive production is crucial for this team. He’s not a lockdown defender, and at 6-foot-3, he doesn’t bring much positional versatility.
His value lies in his ability to space the floor, make smart reads, and hit shots. When that part of his game isn’t clicking, it puts more pressure on the rest of the roster to pick up the slack.
Houston is still trying to find its identity, and a resurgent Sheppard could go a long way in helping them stabilize. If he can rediscover his shooting touch and sharpen his decision-making, he doesn’t just become a serviceable rotation piece-he becomes a difference-maker.
The Bottom Line
Reed Sheppard’s journey is far from over. He’s being tested, no doubt, but that’s part of the process for young guards in the league.
The Rockets are asking a lot from him, but they’re also giving him the space to grow through the mistakes. And if he can turn the corner, both he and the Rockets could be better for it.