Based on circumstances in 2025, Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard was able to get valuable playing time, but it is worth wondering if that will also be the case in 2026.
The Houston Rockets have a solid backcourt heading into the 2026 season which consists of veteran Fred VanVleet as well some players which includes Amen Thompson Reed Sheppard, and Bruce Thornton.
Focusing on Sheppard, he was able to play a significant role during the 2025 season mainly because VanVleet was out the entire season with a torn right ACL and meniscus.
With that understood, there is one question that must be answered. What will Sheppard's role be on the Rockets in 2026?
To answer this question, let's first take a look at Sheppard's stats from 2025 to see what he could contribute in 2026.
During the 2025 season, Sheppard averaged 13.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.7 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. In terms of Sheppard's shooting splits, he was fairly efficient, as he shot 43 percent from the field, 39.4 percent from three, and 80.2 percent from the free-throw line.
It is also important to mention that Sheppard was able to play all 82 games while starting 21 of those games and averaging 26.2 minutes per game.
So, when looking at Sheppard's performance in 2025, it is pretty clear that he was able to contribute in almost every area, which was a good sign in his second season in the league.
On the offensive side, Sheppard showed the ability to increase his efficiency from the field and from three which were both massive improvements.
In 2024, Sheppard shot 35.1 percent from the field, while in 2025 he shot 43 percent from inside the arc. In terms of three-point shooting, Sheppard took a major step as well, as he shot 33.8 percent in 2024 and 39.4 percent in 2025.
On another note, Sheppard's free-throw shooting took a slight dip as he shot 81.3 percent in 2024 and 80.2 percent in 2025. However, this is not a major deal as he stayed at around 80 percent both seasons and as previously mentioned he was able to significantly improve his scoring efficiency from the field and from three.
Sheppard was also able to improve as a playmaker as he averaged 1.4 assists in 2024 while averaging 3.4 assists in 2025. A major reason for that was the absence of VanVleet, but even with VanVleet back Sheppard should be able to continue progressing as a playmaker.
Now shifting to the defensive side, Sheppard doubled his steals as he went from 0.7 steal per game in 2024 to 1.5 steals per game in 2025. Standing at 6-2 and 185 pounds, Sheppard has a solid frame that enables him to play with physicality on the perimeter and disrupt passing lanes which makes it very difficult for opposing guards.
Sheppard's development on defense is not super surprising as can learn from his teammate Amen Thompson who has become one of the top perimeter defenders in the entire NBA. If Sheppard continues to learn from Thompson and progress on the defensive side of the floor he could become a solid two-way player for the Rockets if he isn't already.
With all that said, Sheppard has demonstrated the ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, and even with the Rockets getting much healthier he has the ability to contribute to this team in the backcourt whether that be through his scoring, playmaking, floor spacing, or his ability to defend on the perimeter.
So, heading into 2026, with VanVleet coming back it is very likely that Sheppard will come off the bench, but because of his consistent improvements in nearly every area of his game, he has put himself in a position to potentially be one of Houston's best players off the bench and could possibly earn a starting role once again if the opportunity presents itself.
