As the Houston Rockets enter the 2025-26 NBA season, perhaps their biggest question mark lingers around an increased role for Reed Sheppard, and one serious concern remains. Can Sheppard take on a serious rotational role after the struggles he fought through last year?
Concerningly, Sheppard played just 12.6 minutes per game in his rookie season as he attempted to crack the rotation, and, even going back to his college days, his general lack of high-level usage presents a major concern for the Rockets as they attempt to navigate the loss of starting point guard Fred VanVleet.
Therefore, it is possible that Houston will soon realize a painful truth; Sheppard has never been properly prepared to take on the type of role they are asking him to step into this season.