Rockets' unorthodox lineup is proof that Ime Udoka can wait out Reed Sheppard

As the Houston Rockets entered the season, undeniably their biggest question mark lay in the hands of second-year guard Reed Sheppard.

Yet, while his play has been up-and-down so far this season, with flashes of both the highs and lows of his game being on full display, Ime Udoka's willingness to toy with the rotation for the time being has bought him time to find his footing as he takes on a larger role.

No matter what, this season was going to be a big adjustment for Sheppard, given the fact that he was taking on a much more significant role than he did last season. However, in order for the Rockets to be competitive, he must become a more reliable facilitator and scorer as the season progresses.

Reed Sheppard now has some time to adjust to his new role

When starting point guard Fred VanVleet went down with a devastating ACL injury late in the offseason, everyone familiar with Houston's roster construction knew that both Sheppard and Amen Thompson were going to need to step up big time.

Yet, this was, and is, a dangerous proposition. Last season, in Sheppard's rookie year, he struggled to carve out a real role in the rotation, averaging just 12.6 minutes per game and posting 4.4 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in those minutes.

Moreover, in addition to the defensive liabilities that he presents as a smaller guard, his main offensive weapon, his perimeter shot, was not consistent. Last season he shot just 33.8% from beyond the arc: a number that is going to need to increase drastically this season if his minutes are going to be viable.

However, while Sheppard will need to take over a backup, and even at times a starting, guard role this season, the emergence of Josh Okogie as a serious contributor in the backcourt has bought him time to make the necessary adjustments.

After going with the double-big lineup in their first two games, and getting burnt for doing so, Udoka decided to start Okogie against the Brooklyn Nets, and, as a result, the team found its first glimmer of offensive flow this season.

With Okogie in the lineup, the team had both defensive versatility and offensive spacing, and it appears that, by all measures, this is the front that the Rockets will put forward for the near future. At the same time, however, the team has other options, with Tari Eason and, eventually, Dorian Finney-Smith also being capable of taking on starting minutes.

Therefore, while Sheppard will eventually need to iron out some of the wrinkles in his game in order for the team to even approach its offensive ceiling, he can work with limited minutes for the time being as a result of the team's versatility.