Bleacher Report Tabs Reed Sheppard as Rockets' Breakout Candidate
The short version
- Reed Sheppard was named the Rockets' breakout candidate by Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz.
- Sheppard was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and has averaged 20.9 minutes per game over two seasons.
- Swartz says Sheppard should start at point guard, with Fred VanVleet returning from a torn ACL better suited to a backup role.
- Sheppard focused on adding strength this offseason, training with Kevin Durant in California.
The third-year guard, the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is projected to take on a larger role in Houston's backcourt next season.
Reed Sheppard has been selected as the Houston Rockets' breakout candidate for the 2026-27 NBA season in a league-wide projection by Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, who picked one player from each team.
Sheppard, a guard taken with the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has averaged 20.9 minutes per game across his first two seasons. Swartz argued that the Kentucky product should be Houston's starting point guard, citing his potential as a scorer, ball-handler and shooter alongside offensive hubs such as Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson.
Swartz noted that Fred VanVleet, 32, is returning from a torn ACL and is better suited to a backup role at this stage of his career, which could open minutes for Sheppard in the rotation.
Sheppard said his main offseason priority was adding strength, and that he has been lifting with Durant in California while also working on ball handling, shooting and defense.
Houston made no major offseason additions, so internal development from younger players like Sheppard is expected to be central to any step forward in the coming campaign.
Written by the Matchday Live desk from reporting by Yahoo Sports.
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