Rockets must ensure future franchise cornerstone is kept out of trade talks

As the Houston Rockets prepare to engage in inevitable trade discussions for a marquee player, general manager Rafael Stone must ensure that Reed Sheppard is as close to untouchable as possible. Despite his limited experience, Sheppard has the tools to bridge the gap between Houston's grand short-term ambitions and its long-term potential.

The No. 3 pick at the 2024 NBA Draft, Sheppard is an essential piece to the Rockets' puzzle—and must be omitted from trade talks with as much certainty as they can manage.

Sheppard appeared in 52 games as a rookie, starting three and averaging a mere 12.6 minutes per game. He shot just 35.1 percent from the field and 33.8 percent from beyond the arc, and saw more than 20 minutes of playing time on just five occasions.

Based on those facts, it's hard to justify making Sheppard untouchable in a potential trade for a top-tier talent such as Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kevin Durant.

Sheppard's upside, however, is that of the prototypical All-Star guard in the modern era. He's an effortlessly explosive athlete, a collegiate and high school sharpshooter, and a capable playmaker who has already flashed the potential to put it all together in the NBA.

It would admittedly be poor judgment to decline a trade for Antetokounmpo because Milwaukee hypothetically asked for Sheppard, but if he can be kept out of the offer, he should be.

Reed Sheppard has too much upside to trade after just one season

During Sheppard's three starts in 2024-25, the former Kentucky Wildcats star averaged 19.7 points, 4.7 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 4.3 three-point field goals made per game. That includes a 25-point and five-assist performance against the 68-win Oklahoma City Thunder.

Sheppard also tallied 20 points against the 50-32 LA Clippers, and posted 14 points and five assists against the 50-32 Los Angeles Lakers.

That small sample size of performances is hardly enough to justify keeping a player out of a trade for a two-time MVP. Ime Udoka was committed to more experienced players in 2024-25, however, even if they hardly had any more exposure to the NBA game than Sheppard.

Giving up on a top-three pick who checks all of the boxes after just one season would be a disappointing result for a team that should view Sheppard as its Fred VanVleet successor.

Sheppard finished his lone season at the University of Kentucky averaging 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 2.3 three-point field goals made per game. He shot at an unfathomably efficient level, posting a slash line of .536/.521/.831.

Without any need for hyperbole, Sheppard produced one of the most efficient shooting seasons in Power Five history—especially for a 6'2" guard.

If Houston fosters the ideal environment for him, Sheppard could translate that success to the NBA. Compounded by his 42.0" vertical and invaluable agility, as well as his developing court vision, he can be the scoring guard of the future in Houston.

For as difficult as it may be, the Rockets must do everything they can to keep Sheppard out of trade negotiations and prioritize his development alongside whomever they trade for.