Sheppard's limited minutes and evolving role mirror successful NBA journeys, forging resilience and adaptability for his burgeoning career.
All the way back in October of 2020, longtime Rockets GM Daryl Morey stepped down, allowing Rafael Stone to assume the position moving forward. This was only four days after the NBA Finals concluded down in Disney World, and just a month before the draft.
Coming on the peculiar date of November 18th, a global pandemic made this draft infamously difficult to scout. The number two overall pick, James Wiseman, is one of three lottery picks already out of the league.
Thankfully, the newly promoted Stone didn’t have too much to worry about on draft night, as KJ Martin was his only selection in the late 2nd round.
His focus was arguably more stressful, as now James Harden also reportedly wanted a trade. Despite looking like he was in a fat suit, the beard poured in 44 points and 17 assists in his debut on December 26th.
However, January 13th signaled the end of that era, as Harden got his wish to join KD and Kyrie in Brooklyn.
One of the three unprotected first round picks from the Nets would eventually turn into a 3rd overall pick in 2024, allowing Reed Sheppard to join the 41-41 Rockets.
Now officially out of their tanking era, previously covered on Roundtable, the young rookie was thrust into a unique position. A top draft pick who only got 12.6 minutes per game.
A far cry from his teammates’ rookie experiences, with Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. playing 31.9 and 31.0 minutes per game respectively. Still way less than Amen Thompson’s 22.4 average in Ime Udoka’s first season, the first season committing to getting out of the rebuild.
While I know it’s frustrating for fans, and even probably for Reed himself at times, I think this is a much more helpful way to develop players. With more and more second rounders and undrafted players being named All-Stars and All-NBA players, this is the way they earned their respect in the league.
Even the reigning MVP and Finals MVP didn’t get free rein in his first season. Playing under Ty Lue for an overachieving Clippers team, SGA did get plenty of playing time, but only scored 10.8 points per game as he wasn’t viewed as a scorer. Only 6th in rookie of the year voting.
Going on to play in a backcourt alongside Chris Paul and Dennis Schroeder, his role was changed again in year two. This type of flexibility can be invaluable. While obviously not the same path as SGA, I can see how the unorthodox journey of Reed Sheppard could help his career in the long run.
I imagine Reed was expecting this season to be much of the same before FVV’s unfortunate injury, but these things happen. He was thrusted into a bigger role overnight and has made the most of his opportunity playing alongside two stars. We'll see if this can continue to grow into an All-Star career of his own.