1 Lineup the Rockets can run to help Reed Sheppard succeed

Some Houston Rockets fans are getting concerned about Reed Sheppard. There's one lineup the team can run to alleviate some of those concerns.

Actually, there are several. The Rockets have built one of the most versatile teams in the NBA. They'll have endless permutations of the same squad. They'll also be able to cover for any player's strengths or weaknesses at will.

As a sophomore, Sheppard will likely need some extra consideration. The Rockets can give it to him. Here's one lineup they can run that ought to make his life as easy as possible.

Rockets surround Sheppard with size, shooting

PG: Reed Sheppard

SG: Dorian Finney-Smith

SF: Kevin Durant

PF: Alperen Sengun

C: Steven Adams

Expecting something different?

Sure, five-out lineups featuring Jabari Smith Jr. at the 5 could also benefit Sheppard. That said, Sheppard's size seems to be the biggest detriment to him finding decent looks.

With that in mind, using big bodies to screen for him feels like the most effective way to help him. This lineup surely accomplishes that. Inserting Sheppard into the double big lineups will help. Adams is the best screener in the NBA, and Sengun can use his size to help as well.

Meanwhile, the floor is still reasonably spaced here. Durant's elite gravity will open the floor for Sheppard, and defenses will respect Finney-Smith, too. Sheppard should be able to get his shot off as well as possible in this lineup.

That doesn't mean it's the perfect lineup. Some will charge that this group leans too heavily on Sheppard to handle the ball. If you like, you can swap Amen Thompson in for Finney-Smith, but it will cramp the Rockets' spacing

On the other hand...

Rockets need Sheppard to handle the ball

If Sheppard can't be a primary ball-handler for even a stretch as a sophomore, that's concerning for the Rockets. If he's their point guard of the future, he should be able to at least briefly handle that responsibility next year.

In the meantime, there are options built into this lineup. Durant can handle the ball. As long as Sheppard can manage to get a basic entry to pass to Sengun, he can initiate offense as well. This won't look like Mike D'Antoni's pick-and-spread Rockets.

It will require Sheppard to handle the ball. Even if he turns the rock over from time to time, it should be worthwhile if this group helps him boost his three-point percentage. We saw the double bigs have that effect on players last season. This year, the Rockets should maximize Sheppard's opportunities to reap those benefits:

He could alleviate some concerns about him in the process.