Reed Sheppard's one elite skill can force the Rockets to believe in him

Reed Sheppard was one of the most frustrating - and frustrated - Rockets last season. Even with Fred VanVleet injured for the entire year, Sheppard was unable to establish himself as a starting guard for Houston. Despite Sheppard’s generally disappointing sophomore season, his proficiency as a long-range shooter still gave the Rockets hope that he can be a game-changing scorer one day.

Sheppard showed out in one specific way

Last season, Sheppard was one of the best deep shooters in the league. When it came to shots taken from at least 28 feet, only three players were able to match Sheppard in both efficiency and volume: Payton Pritchard, Tyrese Maxey and the legendary Stephen Curry. Two of those players are All-Stars and Pritchard has also proven his value largely through his long-range scoring.

Just seeing Sheppard already in the same tier of deep shooter as those players should inspire some confidence in the Rockets. Perhaps Sheppard doesn’t just have to be a trade piece for a win-now player. Maybe he can become a solid scoring guard in his own right with the potential to help Houston more than a trade acquisition.

If Sheppard can properly leverage the threat of his super-deep shooting, he should become a valuable offensive player. His fearlessness as a pull-up shooter should open up some driving lanes if he continues to show the same aggression. 

The Rockets might have second thoughts on Sheppard

The front office will have their hands full navigating Sheppard’s situation to maximize their title odds. Sheppard could one day develop into a standout contributor in Houston, but it's far from a guarantee. And even if that day does come eventually, it might be too late to contend for a title with the current core including Kevin Durant.

The Rockets have already shown in recent seasons that they aren't afraid to part ways with a talented young player if it's the right move. Sheppard will need to continue playing to his strengths next season in order to secure his place on the team going forward. Even if his deep shot isn't always hitting, he can help himself and the team by continuing to shoot them enough to bend defenses.

Sheppard might not have the stout defense or steady playmaking that Ime Udoka seeks from his small guards, but he still brings a valuable element with his outside shooting. It's nearly impossible for Sheppard to develop the traditional point guard skills to a tee over one offseason, but he can continue to prove his worth with more fearless outside shooting. For Sheppard, next season will be all about incremental improvement on his weaknesses and continued displays of his preexisting strengths.

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