Rockets make their feelings about Reed Sheppard crystal clear with signing choice

The Houston Rockets had no shortage of options when it came time to round out their roster, but the decision to sign Josh Okogie rather than another veteran guard offered a pretty telling clue about how the team views Reed Sheppard heading into his second season.

Houston could have chosen to bring in more ball-handling support or someone to compete for backcourt minutes. Instead, they opted for a defensive-minded wing who does very little on the ball. That kind of move only reinforces one idea: the Rockets trust Reed Sheppard a lot more than most people probably realize.

Sheppard was already earning praise inside the organization last year, but now he seems poised to take on a larger role. Even with Fred VanVleet still in the mix, the Rockets clearly believe that Sheppard is capable of handling a decent share of the ball-handling duties. There is also something to be said for the subtle confidence that comes with a move like this. It is not just about who you add, but who you don’t. Passing on another floor general was not done by accident.

Signing Okogie is a sign of confidence in Sheppard

The addition of Okogie makes even more sense when you consider what Sheppard does not bring to the table yet. Though the young guard is sharp offensively and a capable shooter and decision-maker, his defense was still a work in progress last season. That is where Okogie fits.

The former Hornets wing is one of the grittier perimeter defenders in the league, and he has made a career out of making life miserable for opposing guards and wings. He is not going to shoot the lights out or rack up assists, but he will be there to clean up some of the messes on the defensive end.

Houston now has the kind of balance that many young teams struggle to find. They are putting the ball in the hands of a promising young guard, but doing it while surrounding him with the kind of pieces that can help cover his weak spots. Okogie may not have been the most glamorous signing of the offseason, but his presence says more than enough. The Rockets are not just giving Sheppard a chance to play. They are actively building a situation that helps him succeed.

And if that approach pays off, nobody will be second-guessing the roster choices by the time the season gets rolling.