Sheppard's offensive spark shines, exposing the Rockets' shooting woes and hinting at a potential trade target to reignite their struggling offense.
To start off this new year, Ime Udoka’s squad has struggled greatly on offense, seeing their field goal percentage drop from 50.5-percent in December to 44.5-percent in January. The three point shooting has an even more drastic drop off, from a very respectable 39-percent, down to an abysmal 29.5-percent, per StatMuse. Free throw percentage, total points per game, and true shooting percentage have all plummeted.
Is this just an extended shooting slump for the group? A regression back to the mean? Or a sign that changes need to be made? With the trade deadline being just over two weeks away, decisions need to be made by Thursday, February 5th.
Reed Sheppard’s performance last night gave fans yet another obvious glimpse at the style of player who helps the team offensively. While still being a defensive liability at times, this current Rockets roster obviously needs and thrives with Reed Sheppard’s shooting on the court.
One possible addition to help fit that role would be Malik Monk. James Piercey discussed this idea on DallasHoopsJournal, proposing Clint Capela, Dorian Finney-Smith, and multiple second round picks to be the return for Sacramento. Certainly seems like a hefty cost to me, but is it worth it?
Monk is shooting 41.4-percent from three point land on 4.5 attempts per game. Currently a career high in percentage, and close to a career low in attempts. Pretty ideal for what he’d be asked to do in Houston. Not too high of a volume shooter, no need to just chuck shots up —— but rather a respectable shooter who can make the ones he takes. This is very similar to what Reed Sheppard provides, at 41-percent from deep.
Houston could also use another ball handler with Fred Vanvleet’s timetable still up in the air. A dynamic combo guard like Malik Monk offers just that. With the speed and handle to get past his man to finish at the rim, or draw multiple defenders and make a play for a teammate, this could be a really helpful addition. A creator who can open up the offense for the rest of the team. Plus the added benefit of being older and more experienced than Sheppard.
Unfortunately Dorian Finney-Smith hasn’t quite been able to find his footing yet in Houston, only averaging 2.9 points in 15.5 minutes a night. Granted he only has 12 games under his belt this season, so there's time for him to get back in rhythm. Clint Capela would be tougher to get rid of, particularly after Steven Adams' injury. Houston will need size to deal with Jokic, Wembanyama, Holmgren and Hartenstein, Gobert, Randle, and Reid, among others in the Western Conference. Still an interesting trade to consider, nonetheless.