Are the Rockets using Reed Sheppard correctly? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Houston Rockets were a team filled with top-end talent and deep playoff run aspirations after the Kevin Durant trade. However, Fred VanVleet’s torn ACL injury in the preseason derailed the hype, with Houston left scrambling to fix the glaring hole at the point guard position. While results have remained relatively consistent from last season to now, the team’s lack of a controller down the stretch has led to some tough losses, with the most recent example being Houston’s loss to the New York Knicks, where they blew an 18-point lead in the fourth quarter.
A development that some people noticed from the game was that guard Reed Sheppard, who knocked down 10 points in 21 minutes, was absent from the closing stretches. That begs the question: Could Reed Sheppard have helped Houston avoid their late-game collapse? And, could he be the answer going forward at the point guard slot as Houston gears for the playoffs?
SI’s @a_duckett thinks Reed Sheppard can “unlock” Houston’s offense if Ime Udoka plays him more
— SleeperRockets (@SleeperRockets) February 22, 2026
“Reed Sheppard is the only guard on the roster that can unlock the Rockets' offense, whether by playmaking or long-range shooting. He can't do that if he's not on the floor.” pic.twitter.com/KvG1Cya3rN
In theory, Reed Sheppard can provide what Houston’s been missing
Reed Sheppard has stepped up and received more minutes this year compared to his rookie campaign, which can be partly attributed to necessity due to injuries. However, it seems like coach Ime Udoka still doesn’t fully trust him with minutes in crunch time. After the team’s crushing loss to the Knicks, Udoka demanded that he be “more demonstrative and get us into our sets.” For as much as Udoka can complain about Sheppard, the second-year player was absent for most of the collapse against New York.
In their next game against the Utah Jazz, which was a 125-105 win for Houston, Reed Sheppard displayed the qualities that have fans complaining about his usage. He shot well from the field, created offensive opportunities, and most importantly, controlled the pace of play. Last year, VanVleet was the controller, and although he wasn’t elite by any means, he provided a calming presence and poise when games got tight.
Reed Sheppard could step into that role, and he’s most likely the closest fit currently available. It’ll be up to Ime Udoka to decide if his young guard is ready to take the next step, but as of now, it seems like Sheppard still has a ways to go before earning that trust.
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