Ime Udoka reveals what has changed about Reed Sheppard ahead of Rockets year two, ‘different player’

Ime Udoka says Reed Sheppard understands ‘what it takes to be successful’ in the NBA

With Fred VanVleet out, the Rockets are going to need some internal growth to make up for his loss.

Ime Udoka is still evaluating who the Rockets’ fifth starter will be for this season.

The obvious choice seems to be Amen Thompson stepping into that role, or maybe second-year player Reed Sheppard can have an impressive preseason and win that job. Udoka talked about what he has seen from Sheppard so far entering year two.

“There’s some physical no doubt, on both ends, him getting used to the game and adjusting for that.

“He’s done a good job with his body and being stronger, but really the main thing is aggressiveness and confidence.

“You see him kind of understanding what it takes to be successful in the league and looks like a different player as far as that.

“[He was] second guessing things at times last year. He wanted to be aggressive, and he’s done that on both ends.”

The pressure will be on Reed Sheppard this season

Even if Sheppard doesn’t end up starting, he’s still projected to have a big role for the Rockets after the VanVleet injury news.

Sheppard fluctuated between the backup point guard and third string as he battled veteran combo guard Aaron Holiday last season.

Sheppard should be the backup point guard for this season, but he needs to prove he can be reliable for a Rockets team that has their eyes on the title.

There’s going to be a lot of pressure on Sheppard to perform. If he doesn’t play at a high standard, the Rockets could look to move him in exchange for a proven veteran guard around the trade deadline.