The Houston Rockets made a significant move by drafting Reed Sheppard as the third overall pick in the first round of the 2024 draft, and his recent performance is validating that decision. Over his last four games, the 21-year-old has consistently scored at least 12 points, a striking improvement considering he had only managed back-to-back double-digit scores once in his first 58 appearances.
During this impressive stretch, Sheppard is averaging 16.3 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.3 steals in just over 24 minutes per game, showcasing his efficiency with a shooting percentage of 65.8% overall and 60.0% from beyond the arc. This surge in scoring has positively impacted the team’s performance, as the Rockets have outscored opponents by 5.3 points whenever Sheppard is on the floor. As a result, Houston boasts a strong record of 7-3, winning seven out of their last eight games.
In a recent episode of ESPN’s The Hoop Collective podcast, NBA insider Tim MacMahon shared insights on Sheppard’s potential. The Rockets see him as a budding star on offense, being unconcerned with his earlier shooting struggles. They believe in his ability to improve his shooting consistency and have been utilizing a zone defense to mitigate some of his defensive weaknesses. While Sheppard may not yet be an elite on-ball defender, his offensive prowess justifies the team’s defensive strategies.
It’s noteworthy that Houston’s recent schedule has been particularly challenging, rated as the sixth toughest in the league. However, upcoming games promise a more favorable situation, as their remaining schedule is rated as the third easiest in the Western Conference. This provides an excellent opportunity for the Rockets to experiment defensively as Sheppard continues to gain experience and confidence.
Sheppard and the Rockets will look to capitalize on their momentum in their upcoming home games against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 14 and the Orlando Magic on November 16. This weekend presents a prime opportunity for Sheppard to further demonstrate his emerging talent and for the Rockets to solidify their position in the league. Both games will be broadcasted regionally on Space City Home Network and nationally on NBA League Pass, providing fans with accessible coverage of this promising young talent in action.