For a few years, we felt like the Houston Rockets might break records we didn’t want them to break.
Most losses in a season? They never came close, but it was on the table. Finally, here we are in 2024. The Rockets are officially looking to break the good records.
One writer thinks Reed Sheppard could break a record this year.
Could Sheppard make the most three-pointers by a rookie in NBA history? Andrew Stefaniak of Sports Illustrated thinks so.
“Sheppard has a real chance to break the record for three-pointers made by a rookie in a season. The NBA record for three-pointers made by a rookie is currently held by Keegan Murray of the Sacramento Kings, who set it during the 2022-23 season, making 206 in a single season.”
-Andrew Stefaniak, Sports Illustrated
He’s right. The record was set only two seasons ago. That’s the nature of three-point records in the three-point era: They’re made to be broken. Teams and players are shooting with unprecedented volume, so of course we’re seeing unprecedented results.
It remains to be seen how many minutes Sheppard will get. If he’s not on the court often enough, he won’t surpass Murray. Still, we’re confident he’ll be hoist three every time he sees the court. At least it’s something to watch out for.
On the other hand, no one will count on Amen Thompson to break this record. If he makes progress as a shooter, that will be enough.
It appears the Rockets will avoid forcing him into a position in the meantime.
At least it is Kelly Iko of The Athletic read.
“The consensus from the coaching staff is that Thompson is a basketball player first and foremost, rather than being stuck in a hole.”
-Kelly Iko, The Athletic
It will be a interesting dynamics to move forward. Coming into the league, Thompson was billed as a 6’1″ point guard. It still feels like the Rockets would maximize his potential by putting him at that position.
Still, Sheppard showed impressive playmaking skills during Summer League. There’s an inherent advantage to having a point guard who can shoot. If Sheppard is the point guard, what role will Thompson play?
We may have seen shades of that in 2023-24. Thompson has thrived in an off-ball role. He’s effectively functioned as a big man on offense and a wing on defense. This could be a long-term setup that works for the Rockets, though it may depend on how well Alperen Sengun’s shooting develops.
Ultimately, there’s still a lot to be discovered about the future of this team. Sheppard could be the point guard, or Thompson. As long as they can put together a contender, we think both young players will be happy.
They might just break a few records along the way.
