Rockets' Reed Sheppard reaps rewards with Rio Grande Valley Vipers

There's no shortage of lottery picks on the Houston Rockets roster.

Most of them came via their own draft capital. The Rockets tanked for three consecutive seasons. They've got Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson to show for their troubles.

Reed Sheppard arrived via a different route. The Nets sent the Rockets the third overall pick in the 2024 draft. It was a tremendous stroke of luck - for the Rockets. For Sheppard, it was a mixed blessing.

Sure, there are benefits in starting your career with a competitive squad. There are also downsides. It's been difficult for Sheppard to get on the floor with the Rockets. When he has, he's looked tentative. Sheppard may be concerned about playing his way off the floor. He's been apprehensive to shoot, dribble, or do much of anything outside of making a non-advantage pass.

Surely that's why they sent him to their G-League affiliate Rio Grande Valley Vipers. On Tuesday, Sheppard made his debut with the Vipers:

He did not look tentative anymore.

Rockets' Reed Sheppard shines in Vipers debut

Let's start with the stats. Sheppard had an incredible 49 points. He was 17/33 from the field and 8/19 from three-point range. Sheppard chipped in 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals and a block.

Those are eye-popping numbers. Above all else, the sheer volume sticks out. To put it mildly, Sheppard isn't going to find 33 field goal attempts in a Rockets game:

He may not attempt that many shots in 10 outings.

This was the purpose of sending Sheppard to the Vipers. He needs to play aggressively and with confidence. It's clear that in the G-League, he'll find the opportunity to play more closely to how he'd have played on a typical high lottery team.

Is this the answer to the Rockets' prayers?

Rockets await Sheppard's return

Well, no.

The Rockets didn't draft Sheppard with the third overall pick for him to carry the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. They picked him to eventually usurp Fred VanVleet as the team's starting point guard.

This is not a permanent solution. It is a good temporary fix. Sheppard needs reps. He needs to see the ball find nylon. These developments with the Vipers are positive.

How long will Sheppard's demotion last? Time will tell. Eventually, the Rockets will call him back up to play with the main roster.

He needs to be ready to take his shots when they do.