HOUSTON — The Rockets’ offseason plans has shifted overnight. News broke that Fred VanVleet tore his ACL during a team mini-camp in the Bahamas. The injury removes the Rockets’ starting point guard from the season and instantly alters championship expectations. The Rockets coaching staff now face a critical question: what should be Reed Sheppard’s role and how much responsibility should fall on his shoulders?
No Escape From Reed Sheppard Role For Rockets
Sheppard’s Rocky Start
Reed Sheppard entered the league with promise. Drafted third overall in 2024, he was expected to compete for Rookie of the Year. Instead, his debut season was uneven. Through 52 games, he averaged only 4.4 points per game on 35.1% shooting. His minutes shrank as head coach Ime Udoka leaned on veterans. Even Cam Whitmore, another young talent, struggled to find consistent time. Whitmore is now in Washington, leaving Sheppard’s future in Houston more pressing than ever.
G League Spark
When the Rockets sent Sheppard to Rio Grande Valley in January, he finally flourished. He posted 49 points in his debut, then averaged 30.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 2.7 steals over three games. His shooting climbed to 46.3% from the field and 40.5% from deep. More importantly, Sheppard regained confidence as a scorer and facilitator. That G League stint hinted at what Reed Sheppard’s role could become on the Rockets.
The Physicality Test
Despite the offensive spark, Sheppard’s biggest challenge remains defense. At 6-foot-3, he has struggled against stronger guards and wings. Houston’s switch-heavy system magnifies those weaknesses. Udoka has been cautious with his minutes because of it. Sheppard must learn to survive defensively if he hopes to stay in the rotation. His G League explosion proves he can score. The question is whether he can hold his ground when teams target him.
Cap Space Limits Options
The Rockets’ financial situation leaves little room for outside help. Houston sits just $1.25 million below the first apron. That hard cap prevents them from using the $14 million Disabled Player Exception available after VanVleet’s injury. They also cannot sign a replacement to a rest-of-season contract until January. That reality increases the urgency to define Sheppard’s role. With Amen Thompson and Aaron Holiday as the only other guards, depth is dangerously thin.
Defining Sheppard’s Role
Houston will not ask Sheppard to start. But his 17.8% usage rate from last season will rise. The team needs his offense off the bench, especially with VanVleet gone. Still, Udoka may hesitate if Sheppard struggles early. Sheppard has a cap hit of $10.6 million this season, a figure that raises questions about patience. Houston has no choice but to explore how much responsibility he can handle.
The Road Ahead
The Rockets stand at a crossroads. Free agency offers no answers. Thompson and Holiday can’t shoulder the load alone. That thrusts Sheppard, once an afterthought, into the spotlight. His role is no longer developmental. It is urgent. Whether he rises or collapses could define Houston’s season.
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