ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 16: Reed Sheppard #15 of the Houston Rockets reacts after a three-point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on October 16, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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When starting point guard Fred VanVleet underwent surgery this past offseason for a torn ACL, the Rockets’ title hopes took a massive hit. But there was one silver lining. With VanVleet sidelined, the starting point guard job was second year guard Reed Sheppard’s to lose. Sheppard was the third overall pick in the draft two summers ago. The thought was that by now, Sheppard would have seized the role. Now, on February 28, it still has not happened.
Instead, Ime Udoka has stuck with forward Amen Thompson at point guard, with Sheppard’s role inconsistent throughout the season. Sheppard has played roughly 25 minutes per night, but has only started due to injuries, and has closed games sparingly. For the season, Sheppard is averaging 13.1 points per game, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, and shooting 43.2% from the floor, and 39.8% from long distance. He’s had some massive performances over the course of the season, keying wins over the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, and Milwaukee Bucks.
Just this past week, after being inserted into the starting lineup due to injuries to his teammates, Sheppard has exploded. Against the Sacramento Kings, starting in place of Thompson, Sheppard scored 28 points, knocking down 7 threes. And then against the Orlando Magic, he scored 20 points, going 5-for-7 from long distance, and triggered a third quarter rally (along with Kevin Durant) which brought Houston back from a double digit deficit.
It’s anyone’s guess whether head coach Ime Udoka will return Sheppard to the bench once his team is back at full strength. (While Thompson is back, forward Jabari Smith Jr. was out against the Orlando Magic on Saturday, leading to Sheppard getting the start). Based on the season’s trend, the safe bet is that he will with Udoka preferring more defensive oriented starting lineups with size at every position. But Sheppard’s talents are becoming impossible to ignore, especially with how his shooting and passing impact Houston’s offense. Other than Durant, Sheppard is the only player on Houston’s roster that can both shoot and make playos off the dribble.
VanVleet will be back next season, presumably to reclaim his role as the starter. He’ll be in the final year of his contract and owed $25 million. (It’s almost inevitable that he’ll exercise his player option to return to Houston next season). When will it finally be Reed Sheppard’s time?
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rahathuq/2026/02/28/reed-sheppards-strong-play-raises-questions-regarding-lineup-decisions/
