Assessing Reed Sheppard’s Progress From Preseason

Sheppard’s Preseason Overall

Sheppard’s preseason wasn’t all one game either. After a dicey first outing (also against Atlanta), Sheppard scored in double figures at over 50% shooting from the field in each remaining game. That was even despite being benched for head coach Udoka’s preferred double big lineup in game three.

But young players are supposed to put up numbers in preseason. Sheppard was tenth in scoring per 36 minutes among sophomore players. That’s not enormously encouraging, but Sheppard was at least efficient. He shot 51.2% from the field, 40.7% from three, and 83.3% from the free throw line. He seems to have worked on creating more separation with his jump shot, an important skill for a smaller player in a league of giants. The only concerning part of his statistical profile is that he managed just 3.0 assists per game to 2.8 turnovers.

Partly, Sheppard wasn’t given a huge ball-handling role, but nor should he be. His handle remains a work in progress. The trouble for Houston is that their other starting point guard option, Amen Thompson, is experiencing similar issues. In theory, Thompson and Sheppard can complement each other well on offense. Thompson provides the slashing, Sheppard provides the spacing. That neither of them are particularly reliable with the ball in their hands remains a problem. But in Durant and center Alperen Sengun, Houston has stars that a productive offense can orbit around.

Sheppard’s Ideal Role in 2025-26

Sheppard’s role on the team would ideally be as the extremely budget alternative to KD in lineups built around Sengun. Assuming his three-point stroke can carry over from preseason into next week and beyond, he projects as easily the team’s second-best shooter. The offense can run through Sengun, and Sheppard can operate as a high-priority outlet. If his shooting really holds up, he could even be valuable enough to maintain a spot in the starting lineup, even as Udoka’s eyes inevitably wander to more defensive options.

The concern for Houston will be that Sengun-anchored lineups can be vulnerable to rotational errors on defense. The young Turk showed immense defensive progress in 2024-25, but a mistake eraser he is not. Sheppard still likes to think of himself as a playmaker on defense. That’s fair. As everybody loves to say, he has a great “Reed” on the game. So far, though, the NBA is just a little too quick for him. Gambling for steals and ball-watching get him out of position or behind the play far too often. Over time, he’ll learn when he can make defensive plays and when he has to focus on not messing up the basics.

The Last Word

The one thing Sheppard is missing to be a solid NBA contributor is reps. With VanVleet out for the season, he will soon get them. Preseason may not have established Sheppard as a lock to start, but his confidence and separation with his shot do look genuinely much improved. As a result, Rockets fans can be confident they’ll see more of the player they expected to get with the number three pick. Sheppard’s progress looks promising, and fans will flock to see it continue.