Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka believes Reed Sheppard will have bigger, more impactful contributions this season after the combo guard’s quiet rookie campaign. Sheppard, who struggled to find minutes last season, has been thrust into the spotlight. Udoka is counting on him to fill the void left by Jalen Green (trade) and Fred VanVleet (injury).
After the Houston Rockets’ 140-127 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, Udoka spoke a little more about Sheppard’s role. Udoka had this to say when asked about Amen Thompson playing off-ball to maximize the team’s other playmakers:
“Kevin (Durant), Reed (Sheppard) and Alpi (Sengun), guys who can initiate the offense and get us in trouble, bodes well for what (Thompson) can do as well.”
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Fred VanVleet’s torn ACL put a damper on the Rockets’ plans. Without their leader, Udoka asked Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun to lead the offense. At times during Houston’s two preseason games, Reed Sheppard also took on that role. The No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft appears poised for a bigger job this season.
Against the Jazz, Sengun dished out a game-high 13 assists while Thompson had six and Sheppard three, respectively. The former Kentucky star also appears poised to get more responsibility from Udoka because of his shooting. Whether Sheppard orchestrates plays or becomes the spot-up shooter, he’s almost guaranteed to get more minutes.
Reed Sheppard looked comfortable when asked to play point guard
Ime Udoka preferred to let Alperen Sengun lead the offensive. However, when Reed Sheppard had his turn, he looked comfortable. Late in the second quarter, Sheppard used a Sengun screen to break down the Utah Jazz defense. Once Utah’s defense collapsed, the combo guard threw a pass to Amen Thompson, who made an uncontested 3-pointer.
Kevin Durant’s presence has already made Sheppard’s life a little easier when running plays. Midway through the fourth quarter, the Jazz paid him little attention as he brought the ball up the court. With Utah keeping an eye on the former MVP, Sheppard surprised them by suddenly rushing to the basket for a layup.
Reed Sheppard had three assists, but he could have had more if some of his teammates had been more efficient with their shots. After a quiet rookie season, he looks ready to make an impact as the new season begins.
Edited by Michael Macasero
