The Houston Rockets have a major hole at point guard after Fred VanVleet suffered an ACL tear that will likely sideline him for the entire season. Cap restrictions make it difficult to bring in reinforcements, which leaves players like Reed Sheppard in position to take on more responsibility.
For now, Sheppard is still early in his development and has yet to carve out a steady role. Last season, he appeared in 52 games and averaged 4.4 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists on 35.1% shooting from the field.
In the G League, however, Sheppard showed flashes. He put up 30.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists on 47% shooting from the field, although it came in just three games. Whether that production translates to the NBA floor remains to be seen.
Still, some believe the potential is there. Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor even compared him to Rajon Rondo, pointing to the possibility that Sheppard could step into a larger role and prove capable, much like Rondo in Boston.
As transcribed by Quinn Everts of Space City Scoop:
“Does Reed Sheppard look more like he did post-his G League success? … Does he carry that forward this year and start looking like the guy, where you’re not even thinking about making any moves? Maybe Reed Sheppard is your guy, and he’s one of those rare young point guards… Remember when Rajon Rondo, second year with the Boston Celtics… The question with that team was, well could Rondo be the point guard? Turned out he could be the point guard, because he did the things the team needed. Maybe Reed Sheppard can be that guy… but maybe not…”
