Reed Sheppard is making a colossal leap that could save his time on the Rockets

As a sophomore, Reed Sheppard's development isn't on the same level as the rest of the young Houston Rockets. That's understandable, but he is developing where it matters the most:

Sheppard is shooting 42.9% on 5.0 three-point attempts per game this year.

It's a fact that seems to get lost in the shuffle. There's ample concern over Sheppard's defensive limitations. Those concerns remain.

Still, the Rockets knew Sheppard was small when they drafted him. His shooting was supposed to be such a game-breaking feature that it would offset his size.

During his rookie season, that didn't seem to be the case.

Rockets' Reed Sheppard struggled mightily as a rookie

Granted, there's typically a shooting adjustment for a rookie. Getting your shot off against NBA defenses is a different proposition. Any reasonable observer knew Sheppard wouldn't shoot his career-best percentage from deep as a rookie. Still, he was supposed to shoot better than 33.8%

It was concerning. Suddenly, people wondered if Sheppard's college shooting was a mirage. He was clearly a gifted shooter, but what if he simply couldn't respond to the army of giants facing him in the NBA? Could Sheppard shoot in the big leagues?

It got ugly. Sheppard was relegated to the G-League. He dominated there, but it only raised the same questions. Is this a player who's built to thrive against sub-NBA competition?

Now, Sheppard is beginning to answer those questions.

Rockets' Reed Sheppard is developing his game

Again, the 2025-26 season has not been perfect.

There are undeniably moments when Sheppard looks like a defensive liability. Opponents can exploit his size. This has not been perfect.

Still, the jump in shooting efficiency seems to be resulting in a general impact leap. Sheppard's True Shooting % (TS%) has jumped from 55.1%, from 46.5%. It wouldn't be a stretch to say his 1.4 Box Plus/Minus (BPM), a substantial improvement over last year's 1.4 mark, is a direct product.

What does it all mean?

Rockets may see Sheppard as a part of their future

Who knows?

Let's be honest - Sheppard is not untouchable. The Rockets could still move him for a guard who'd improve their 2025-26 title odds. That's something any team in a position to win would have to consider.

Still, the sense that he ought to be moved should be gone. The Rockets don't have any impetus to get rid of Sheppard. He's not costing them wins, and he's flashing clear potential.

It's starting to look like he's the shooter the Rockets thought they were drafting.