The Houston Rockets need to give Reed Sheppard a bigger opportunity

The Houston Rockets are deep. This is known. In fact, they go so deep that a consolidation trade makes sense.

Depth is also the usual answer to the question, “Why doesn’t Reed Sheppard play anymore?”

Only… are we completely sure of that?

We’re seeing both the Warriors and Cavs experience a decent level of success this year by leaning into depth, and despite all of Houston’s perceived depth, they’re still playing Fred VanVleet for almost 35 minutes per game, while allowing Dillon Brooks to play more than Give 30 minutes. .

Are we sure there’s nothing to give here, outside of the aforementioned trading option?

Sheppard remains one of the most highly regarded rookies from this year’s draft class. He projects as a strong – if not elite – shooter over time, and his defensive stats at Kentucky were surprisingly strong.

Plus, it’s not like Houston doesn’t have a need for what he offers. They play strong basketball at 11-5, yes, but they are No. 25 in three-pointers made and No. 28 in efficiency.

That seems like a bit of a job for someone who hit over 50% of the distance last season, right? They’re winning now, but will that continue if they don’t make the adjustments Sheppard can help them with?

It doesn’t help their situation that their three biggest scorers – VanVleet, Jalen Green and Brooks – are all shooting 40% or less from the field, not exactly an athletic efficiency that can be sustainably justified.

The Rockets are also winning games, thanks in part to poor defense from Amen Thompson and Tari Eason, so it’s fair to say they could win even more if Sheppard got more than twelve minutes per game.

“But Mort, Sheppard himself barely gets 40%!”

That’s true, but a big part of that is the low playtime. Can the Rockets seriously expect the rookie to be effective if he throws in a few sprints here and there?

Instead of focusing on the trade market aspect, you can at least give VanVleet some more bench time, thereby increasing Sheppard’s chances on the field, to see if there’s anything there.

He’s too important to be an afterthought, success or not.

Unless otherwise stated, all statistics are via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the glass or Basketball reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All opportunities thanks to FanDuel Sportsbook.

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