The Houston Rockets lost their first game of the season, falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 125-124, in two overtimes.
Alperen Sengun led all scorers with 39 points, and once Kevin Durant settles into his new team, the Rockets should be very good. However, they are not a complete team. They are missing a true point guard.
Granted, Amen Thompson had his hands full on defense, guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, although there will be a learning curve with him. Reed Sheppard offered an inefficient nine points and four assists in the game.
Sheppard was expected to be tasked with running point in the wake of Fred VanVleet’s injury. After just one game, his future in Houston is in jeopardy.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 22: Reed Sheppard #15 of the Houston Rockets reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half in the NBA Emirates Cup at Toyota Center on November 22, 2024 in Houston, Texas. 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 Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Houston Rockets Urged to Trade Reed Sheppard
The Rockets have title hopes this season, which means it’s sink or swim for their young players. The Rockets already parted ways with Jalen Green and Cam Whitmore. Sheppard could be next in line.
The Thunder made him a focal point of their offensive attack, exploiting his defensive shortcomings. He failed to get much going on the offensive end and simply looked lost and overpowered against top-notch NBA competition.
“I can’t wait to see Reed Shepard on the Wizards,” joked Bill Simmons on his October 21st podcast episode. “He was relentlessly targeted on defense. He just got, I thought, demolished by Wallace in a couple of points in this game. He would get heat checky sometimes, and it was inappropriate because he was playing terrible, but also had a lot of confidence, which I didn’t mind. But it just, it was really rough. He’s the guy to watch on this team. I feel good about everything else that they have.”
Other young teams on the rise, like the San Antonio Spurs and even the Dallas Mavericks, can be patient as players develop. Houston, however, is built around a 37-year-old Durant. Patience is not a luxury the Rockets have, and Sheppard needs to quickly fit in or ship out.
Reed Sheppard Will Control Trade Value
Sheppard was the third overall pick in 2024, and he didn’t play much last season. As a result, his stock is still “fresh,” and teams might be willing to take him on in exchange for a veteran.
However, the clock is ticking.
“They need him to be, needless to say, way better than he was today because they actually need him,” Simmons expanded. “They need some sort of point guard. And if it’s not him, they’re gonna have to go trade for somebody and make some moves.”
Simmons named the Wizards as a possible landing spot, although Washington doesn’t have a proven point guard on a reasonable contract. The Utah Jazz could offer Walter Clayton Jr. if they believe in Isaiah Collier’s ability. Clayton Jr. spent four seasons in college getting polished. The Charlotte Hornets could swap Collin Sexton, or the Rockets could target Jrue Holiday from the Portland Trail Blazers.
Options are not the problem in Houston. The competitive timeline is.
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