Rockets' Reed Sheppard proves he deserves this key role in Summer League masterclass

When the Houston Rockets let Reed Sheppard cook, he always comes up with something spicy. He proved that once again with a starry performance against the Clippers in Summer League. Sheppard proves he should be the Rockets' sixth man in 2025-26.

Some critics will suggest otherwise. They'll point to Sheppard's pedestrian 10/25 shooting from the field.

They will be misunderstanding NBA efficiency in the process.

Sure, Sheppard shot 40.0% from the field. That's the same percentage he shot from three-point range at 6/15. That's an efficient night, and it's the type of three-point volume the Rockets need from Sheppard. Once that shot starts falling, he looks like a star.

That's exactly what happened last night.

Rockets' Reed Sheppard plays like a star

Sure, the shooting percentages are solid. You had to watch this one to believe it. Sheppard was serving up threes like they were on sale.

How do you like them? Sheppard was hitting deep triples. He was flashing a new stepback. No matter how tightly a shot was contested, Sheppard had a chance to hit it.

The most impressive portion of the game saw him lead a 9-0 run single-handedly. The Rockets lost the game, but nobody should be investing in Summer League results. Sheppard scored efficiently on high volume, and that's what counts.

Will it matter during the 2025-26 regular season?

Rockets need Sheppard to produce

It ought to!

Let's be honest: Sheppard isn't likely to get 15 three-point attempts in a single game in the regular season. It would require injuries to both Kevin Durant and Fred VanVleet for that to happen, so it isn't something Rockets fans should hope for.

What they should hope to see is Sheppard piloting the second unit. In 2024-25, he too often looked tentative. Rockets fans shouldn't be looking at his three-point attempts per game, but they should pay attention to his three-point attempts per 75 possessions. The Rockets need Sheppard to be an aggressive shot hunter.

They also need him to be an effective defender. There's much concern about Sheppard's ability to succeed as a smaller guard. If last night's 4 steals and 3 blocks are any indication, he can find ways to mitigate his size. Again, those numbers are inflated by Summer League competition, but they're eye-popping nonetheless.

Saying Sheppard should be the sixth man will mislead some fans. It doesn't mean he should get more minutes than Eason. The point is that the Rockets need Sheppard to carry the second unit's offense next season.

They don't need Sheppard to be a star in 2025-26, but they do need him to be a star in his role. If he could garner even fringe Sixth Man of the Year consideration, that would be a tremendous leap forward for both Sheppard and the organization:

Rockets, please let this man cook.