The season hasn't even started and the Rockets already have a Reed Sheppard problem

As the Houston Rockets attempt to cope with the loss of starting point guard Fred VanVleet, youngsters Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson will largely be given keys to the offense: a risky, but necessary, proposition that the team's title hopes hinge upon.

Yet, through three preseason games, Sheppard has shown flashes of both excellent perimeter shooting and a propensity to get sped up with the ball in his hands, leaving room for both hope for his offensive viability and doubt as to whether he can be the facilitator that the Rockets need.

Sheppard, 22, will need to take on significant minutes no matter what this season for Houston, and, if these minutes cannot become viable, the team could be in serious trouble.

Reed Sheppard has not looked like the facilitator the team needs so far

Last season, after being selected third overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Sheppard struggled to crack the rotation as his 3-point shot fell flat and he had a tough time acclimating to the speed of the NBA game.

Through 52 games last season, Sheppard averaged 4.4 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting just 33.8% from beyond the arc.

Yet, with VanVleet likely out for the season, Sheppard's role has gone from developmental to pivotal, and the team desperately needs him to, at the very least, be able to lead the bench unit with the ball in his hands.

However, through three preseason games, Sheppard has amassed nine turnovers and just six assists: a poor sign for his ability to step into this role.

Although he has gotten run with both the starters and the second unit, at no time has Sheppard looked fully comfortable, getting sped up on his drives to the rim and making poor, short-sighted passes even when he is set at the top of the key.

On the bright side, his perimeter shot has begun to emerge, as he has shot 5-for-10 from beyond the arc over the team's last two preseason matchups.

Yet, even if his shot gets going this season, the defensive liability he presents as a small guard will be difficult to overcome if he cannot at least be a dynamic, or even a capable, offensive facilitator.

While Thompson has played well, and has looked comfortable with the ball in his hands, one capable point guard will not be enough to salvage this team's title hopes, and, if Sheppard cannot quickly get his game in order, Houston could be in for a rough start to the season.