With an offseason injury to Fred VanVleet, Reed Sheppard saw his minutes for the Rockets increase by nearly 14 from last season. The former No. 3 overall pick took advantage of this opportunity, showing his worth and his potential as a future point guard. Known for his shooting with the Kentucky Wildcats in college, Sheppard’s efficiency returned in this regard after a sluggish rookie season.
Sheppard averaged 13.5 points per game, a nine-point increase from his rookie season, to go along with 3.4 assists, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks. The sophomore shot 43% from the field, 39.4% from 3-point range, and 80.2% from the free-throw line. It’s a shame he wasn’t trusted to be the starting point guard sooner, considering all the improvements on offense and on defense, with Sheppard more than doubling his blocks and steals per game totals. Next year if VanVleet is to pick up his player option, Sheppard can move back into a much more comfortable role off the ball. He has two more seasons under club control before reaching restricted free agency during the 2028 offseason.
Overall grade: A-
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Houston Rockets 2025-26 player grades: Reed Sheppard
Reporting by Mack Baltes, Rockets Wire / Rockets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
