Reed Sheppard’s big break: Huge opportunity awaits in Houston

When the Houston Rockets stunned the league this summer by swinging a blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant, the headlines naturally centered on the future Hall of Famer’s arrival. But tucked inside the fallout of that deal, and compounded by Fred VanVleet’s devastating ACL tear, lies one of the biggest opportunities of the young NBA season: Reed Sheppard’s sudden path to major minutes.

From sparse rookie minutes to center stage

Sheppard’s rookie campaign was uneven. He appeared in 52 games but logged just 12.6 minutes per night, averaging 4.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting a modest 35.1% from the field and 33.8% from three. Behind Jalen Green and VanVleet, there simply weren’t many chances to play meaningful basketball.

Now? The Rockets’ depth chart looks very different. Green is gone, VanVleet is sidelined, and Sheppard suddenly has a runway. With Ime Udoka searching for a reliable secondary ball-handler to pair with Durant and Alperen Şengün, Sheppard’s shooting, decision-making, and basketball IQ could be the perfect fit.

Why Sheppard fits this roster perfectly

At Kentucky, Sheppard was known for his elite efficiency:

• 12.5 PPG on 53.6% FG / 52.1% 3PT / 83.1% FT
• 4.5 assists with a nearly 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio
• 4.1 rebounds per game despite being just 6’2"

Those numbers showcased his versatility. In Houston, he won’t need to be a primary scorer, KD and Sengun command attention. But spacing the floor and making quick reads in the pick-and-roll will be crucial for Sheppard to get better stats and more playing time.

As Spotrac’s Keith Smith put it after the VanVleet news: “That FVV news is brutal. Probably the spot where the Rockets have the least amount of depth. Big opportunity for Reed Sheppard to step up this year.”

Comparisons & breakout blueprint

History shows second-year guards often take big leaps. Tyrese Maxey went from 8.0 PPG as a rookie to 17.5 in Year 2. Jalen Brunson didn’t explode until later, but his sophomore season doubled his production. For Sheppard, simply carving out 25–28 minutes per night could mean a jump to 10–12 PPG with strong efficiency. And it could be even more than that if he excels.

What to watch this season

• How Udoka uses him: Does Sheppard start, or does he lead the second unit behind Amen Thompson?
• Three-point volume: Can he maintain 40%+ from deep on higher attempts?
• Playmaking: More reps = more turnovers, but Houston needs a steady hand.

If Sheppard can hit 50/40/80 shooting splits while defending competently, he’ll be a perfect glue piece on a Rockets team suddenly eyeing a deep playoff run.

Prediction

Reed Sheppard won’t be a star overnight, but this season should cement him as a long-term NBA rotation player, and perhaps the breakout surprise Houston didn’t know it needed until now.

Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer.Psalm 121:7-8. You can find him on X here. #UpTheAlbion