Reed Sheppard draws shocking comparison to Rockets archrival

It's not hard to scare a Houston Rockets fan. All you have to do is utter two terrifying words:

Steph. Curry.

The former MVP terrorized Houston for years. The Rockets built some of the best teams in the NBA around James Harden. They'd likely have celebrated an NBA title if not for Curry and his Warriors.

Ifs. Buts. There have been endless contingencies throughout NBA history. Ultimately, all that matters is what happened. What almost happened is nothing.

Here's another hypothetical question: What if the Rockets rostered Curry? Well, the resulting outcomes from that scenario are too numerous to consider. Here's a better hypothetical - what if they have the next Curry?

Sam Vecenie of the Game Theory podcast thinks they do.

Rockets rookie is turning heads with historic comparison

"Sheppard is probably the best shooter to enter the NBA since Steph"
-Sam Vecenie

That's virtually undeniable. It's quantifiable. Sheppard shot 52.1% from long-range for Kentucky last year. That's rarified air. Statistically speaking, we haven't seen a shooter as strong as Sheppard since Curry.

Still, that won't be enough for Sheppard to become Curry. The percentages don't tell the whole story. Curry's "blink and you'll miss it" quick release and his ability to launch off the dribble from the logo have made him special. His impact as a ball-handler and playmaker has also contributed to his greatness,

Can Sheppard replicate those qualities?

Sheppard needs to forge his own path

Time will tell.

Sheppard needs to tighten up his handle. Still, he does have the floor vision. Sheppard is able to squeeze accurate passes through tight windows, and he sees the floor like a point guard.

"Sheppard is everything the NBA is looking for in terms of passing, playmaking, and elite shooting"
-Sam Vecenie

Let's be honest. Curry is one of the best players in NBA history. He's the only unanimous MVP in the history of the league. Those are some awfully big shoes to fill.

Sheppard is not likely to fill them - nobody is. Luckily, the Rockets don't need Sheppard to be the best player in the NBA (as much as they'd love him to reach those heights).

They are hoping Sheppard can be an All-Star. There's even reasonable optimism that he can be an All-NBA player. Sheppard may never become the ball-handler and playmaker that Curry is, but he can establish his value in other ways.

We'll note that Sheppard averaged 3.2 stocks (steals + blocks) per game for Kentucky last season. Sure, he's a small guard who can be exploited at the point of attack. Sheppard can still leverage his quick hands and instincts to provide defensive value that the Warriors never got from Curry.

Sheppard is his own man. He's got his trail to blaze in the NBA. Who knows?

Some day, he may strike fear in the hearts of another rival fanbase.