Rockets fans should be thrilled that Reed Sheppard is settling into his role

As the Houston Rockets have settled into a 6-3 record, the team has certainly started to come together on both sides of the ball, finding their footing in the context of their new, Kevin-Durant led offense.

Yet, perhaps the most underrated of these developments has been the arrival of young guard Reed Sheppard as a viable scorer and passer: two steps forward that could make all the difference for the Rockets this season.

Undoubtedly, it will still be a struggle for Sheppard to acclimate to the massive minutes that the team needs him to take on this season, and that's to be expected. Nevertheless, the more confident Sheppard becomes, the further this team's ceiling rises, and, in that way, his development could be the most important storyline to watch for Houston this year.

Reed Sheppard has found his place in this iteration of the Rockets, and it could be the key to the team's success

Sheppard, who was coming off of a rookie season in which his role was already heavily limited, was already highly expected to take on a larger role, at least for developmental purposes, in his sophomore campaign.

Yet, the season-ending injury to starting point guard Fred VanVleet rapidly acclerated this timeline, and, as a result, Sheppard has now been tasked with, hopefully, taking on starting backcourt duties for the Rockets as quickly as he is able to.

Through his first few games this season, it seemed as though he was still a long way off. He struggled against pressure from point-of-attack defenders and, when he was on the court, was a target on defense on seemingly every possession.

Yet, Sheppard has found his form as the season has developed. Over his last three games, he has averaged 14.7 points, 0.3 rebounds and three assists while shooting 58.8% from deep. While Sheppard's ability to hit his perimeter shots on a consistent basis is highly important, he has also limited himself to just one turnover per game during this stretch: a crucial development in his ability to operate as a ball-handler.

Moreover, his four steals and one block against the Milwaukee Bucks served as a reminder of how pesky he can be on defense when his lack of lateral quickness is mitigated by the team's overall defensive front.

Sheppard has yet to start a game for the Rockets this season, but he is averaging 21.8 minutes off the bench. Even if that is all they get out of him this season, Houston can thank their lucky stars that Sheppard adapted to the new demands they have placed upon him so quickly.

Granted, it's not ideal to start Amen Thompson at point guard, and bumping Sheppard up to the starting lineup is likely the team's ultimate goal if he proves himself capable throughout the course of the season.

Yet, Sheppard is establishing himself as a viable bench scorer, a talented playmaker and a floor-spacing threat. What more can you ask for from a player who played just 12.6 minutes per game in his rookie season?