Rockets must maintain perspective after draft snub wins Rookie of the Year

The Houston Rockets are in a unique position.

They're young, and they're a win-now team. That can make for a delicate balance. Trying to win games and develop young players simultaneously can be impossible, as young players have a habit of losing games.

So, Reed Sheppard did not get the minutes many fans hoped for this year. The Rockets' rookie averaged 4.4 points per game in just 12.6 minutes.

Often, Sheppard struggled. Still, when he did get on the floor, he was quite impressive at times. A team in the Rockets' position will focus on those flashes rather than Sheppard's body of work, given that he didn't have time to build a body of work in the first place.

They need to maintain that perspective in spite of the NBA's Rookie of the Year winner being in their division.

Rockets' rival rosters Rookie of the Year

Congratulations to Stephon Castle. The Spurs' rookie was named the Rookie of the Year, and rightly so.

Unlike Sheppard, Castle had ample opportunities to showcase his game. He gave the Spurs 14.1 points and 4.1 assists in 26.7 minutes per game. Beyond the stats, Castle looked like a versatile defender who can consistently drive and dish on offense.

It was a strong rookie year. It doesn't necessarily follow that Castle will lap Sheppard throughout their respective careers.

Realistically, Rockets fans have no idea what to expect from Sheppard. He wasn't given a fair shake as a rookie.

He does have one critical advantage over Castle on a basketball court.

Rockets' Sheppard can shoot his way to stardom

Sheppard shot 33.8% from three-point range as a rookie. Let's be abundantly clear - that is not great.

It's not dreadful, either. More broadly, Sheppard didn't find an opportunity to catch his rhythm. When he did, he looked the part of a star.

For statistically-minded folks, focusing on a one-game sample will feel counterintuitive. In Sheppard's case, the fact that he scored 20 points on 6/10 shooting from long range in 37 minutes in one regular-season NBA game is telling. It's one of the few opportunities Sheppard got to demonstrate his ability.

Castle got ample opportunities. He still shot a subpar 28.5% from deep. Shooting was a concern heading into his rookie season, and Castle validated those concerns in his first season.

Sure, we can't reduce these two players to three-point shooting alone. Still, each is hoping to be a primary ball-handler in the NBA. In 2025, a primary ball-handler without a jumpshot tends to be problematic.

That said, small guards can struggle too. Sheppard's size could be a problem no matter what heights he reaches. Castle is a 6'5" guard who won't have those issues.

In summary, most of the predraft data on each of these guys holds. Sheppard is still likely to be one of the best shooters in the league once he gets regular reps, but his size may hold him back. Castle will be a dynamic defender, but his shooting could be a challenge. He deserves congratulations for winning Rookie of the Year, but the Rockets shouldn't fuss about it:

They weren't able to allow Sheppard to make a case for the award.