3 Realistic goals for Rockets' Reed Sheppard in 2024-25

It's easy to become enamored with a shiny new toy. Houston Rockets fans are doing it as we speak. As much excitement as there is surrounding this young core, there seems to be the most buzz surrounding Reed Sheppard.

He's the shiny new toy. Sheppard's preseason performance has done nothing to dull that excitement. His playmaking vision has been on full display. Once Sheppard adjusts to NBA range and starts knocking down his threes, the sky is the limit.

Will he be able to reach the sky during his rookie campaign? That's a difficult question. Sheppard's playing time may be limited by playing for a team with win-now aspirations.

Here are three goals he can reasonably aspire to achieve.

1. Make the All-Rookie First Team

Rookie of the Year? We wouldn't rule it out. The league's general managers certainly like Sheppard's odds.

Still, it could be difficult. There will be rookies with longer leashes. Sheppard is stepping into an exceptional situation. Most lottery picks land on lottery teams. Sheppard will be earning a place on a playoff hopeful. He may not see 20 minutes of action per contest.

So, we'll lower the bar a bit. Sheppard should aim to make the All-Rookie First Team. If he does that, he'll have contributed to the Rockets' winning efforts. Nobody should worry if the Rookie of the Year award goes to a higher-volume player on a bottom-feeding squad.

2. Shoot 40% from three for a month

Again, I'm hedging my bets a little.

It would be optimal for Sheppard to shoot 40% from long-range for the season. Well, it would be optimal if he shot 100% for his career, right? There's optimal, and then there's realistic.

Realistically, Sheppard is unlikely to hit 40% on the season. Very few rookies hit that benchmark. If he can land around 37 or 38% for the season, he'll project as an elite shooter moving forward.

Still, it would be nice to see him heat up at some point in the season. If Sheppard can explode for a month or so of prolific shooting, he'll only generate more excitement.

If that's even possible.

3. Post a reasonable Defensive Box/Plus Minus (DBPM)

Sheppard's profile as a defender is complicated.

During preseason, he's looked to have some value on that end. Sheppard has remarkably quick hands and good instincts. He's able to muddy up driving and passing lanes for opposing offenses and create events on that end of the floor.

On the other hand, he's consistently among the smallest players on the court. Sheppard can be hunted. That's going to make his NBA life difficult at times, but there's hope that he can minimize the issue.

Ideally, that minimization starts in his rookie year. Nobody should expect a sterling DBPM from Sheppard. Even a positive mark is ambitious. If he can keep the figure above, say, -1.0, there will be some hope for his defense in the future.

Even if defense isn't what gets fans the most excited.