Together with his NBA taking part in time more and more uncommon in current weeks, the Houston Rockets assign rookie guard Reed Sheppard to their G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (RGV).
Drafted No. 3 total within the 2024 first spherical, Sheppard opened the 2024-25 season as Houston’s backup level guard. However the 6-foot-2 Kentucky product started his skilled profession in a taking pictures droop (32.2% FG, 27.9% from 3-point vary), which regularly led to the 20-year-old dropping minutes .
The Rockets (23-12) presently sit second within the standings. Western Convention standingsand the emphasis on win-now has made it tougher for head coach Ime Udoka to justify utilizing rotation minutes for developmental functions.
So moderately than sitting on the top of Houston’s bench and taking part in sparingly in largely non-competitive conditions, the Rockets appear to consider it is higher for Sheppard’s long-term improvement to have him play extra usually, even whether it is at a decrease stage. Udoka and the Rockets used an analogous technique earlier this season with sophomore prospect Cam Whitmorewho was drafted within the first spherical of 2023 and is similar age as Sheppard.
Houston will after all have the choice to recall Sheppard at any time. Till Sheppard is on the market, veteran Aaron Vacation would be the main out there substitute for Udoka on Houston’s bench.
Extra: ‘We’ll see what occurs’: Regardless of current type, Cam Whitmore uncertain of position with Rockets
This text was initially printed on Rockets Wire: Rockets assign rookie guard Reed Sheppard to NBA G League affiliate
