As a rookie in the NBA, especially for a team with playoff aspirations, it can be hard for a young player to breakthrough into an established rotation. As the season progresses and real aspirations begin to emerge, it can be harder to keep your spot even if you are a part of the rotation. Reed Sheppard was selected third overall last year, but as the Houston Rockets emerged as one of the stronger teams in the Western Conference and headed towards securing a two-seed Sheppard began heading to an inevitable future of playing less and less as his rookie season came to a close.
2025 NBA Draft scouting report: Hugo Gonzalez
