Latest news with #ReedSheppard
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Entering 2025 offseason, Rockets urged to ‘level up' the offense
Entering 2025 offseason, Rockets urged to 'level up' the offense Bleacher Report's Dan Favale says Houston can improve its offense via a moderate upgrade, but it's unclear where the rotation minutes would come from. In the recently completed 2024-25 regular season, the Houston Rockets (52-30) had the fourth-best record in the NBA and second-best in the Western Conference. That represented quite a climb from a 41-41 season and the West's No. 11 spot a year earlier, but it still wasn't in the top rung of contenders. So, what held them back? Their defense was consistently rated in the league's top five, but the offense was middle of the pack. When isolated to halfcourt situations, it was often worse than that. During their series-ending loss in Game 7 of a first-round playoff slugfest versus the Golden State Warriors, the Rockets were stuck on 74 points with barely more than two minutes left to play. With that in mind, when it comes to areas needing improvement in the 2025 offseason, it seems pretty clear which side of the ball could use a boost. Bleacher Report's Dan Favale writes: The Rockets are so close. Their defense is hellfire, they have plenty of depth, and unlike other contenders, there's tons of room for internal growth. Whether that internal growth will be enough to level up the offense is a separate matter. Houston ranked 22nd through both the regular season and playoffs in first-chance points scored per possession, according to PBP Stats. The rotation doesn't seem to have a shotmaker and facilitator of the future — unless the Rockets believe Reed Sheppard is that dude and are prepared to unleash him next year. Failing that, they need to work the trade market as soon as free agency begins. Though they have pathways to opening the full mid-level exception ($14.1 million), it should not come at the expense of letting Fred VanVleet (team option) sign elsewhere. The free-agency market is too barren. Star pursuits will dominate headlines. Houston should absolutely be open to one. But improvement can also come in the form of a middle-rung creator and deadeye shooter. It just has to be someone good enough to crack the playoff rotation. The notion of Houston pursuing a star via trade, such as Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, has been well chronicled. The more interesting notion is a 'middle-rung creator and deadeye shooter,' and what that might look like from a rotation perspective. The Rockets had eight consistent rotation players in the 2025 playoffs between VanVleet, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Steven Adams. They would also like to find more minutes in 2025-26 for Sheppard and Cam Whitmore, two talented first-round prospects from the previous two NBA draft cycles. If the Rockets are to trade for a superstar, the question of rotation minutes likely resolves itself, since the Rockets would presumably be sending out as much or more than what they are take in, from a minutes perspective. But to sign or bring in a more moderate upgrade raises questions. Are there any players from the aforementioned eight-man rotation that Houston would trade or reduce minutes for? Would the Rockets further stall the development of Sheppard and/or Whitmore? Might they look to trade one or both of those prospects for future equity, in such as scenario? After all, if a young player doesn't play, he's unlikely to develop and his market value is likely to gradually depreciate. Or, should general manager Rafael Stone simply stay the course and bet on Houston's halfcourt offense to improve organically through the continued development of young players such as Green, Sengun, Thompson, Smith, Eason, Sheppard, and Whitmore? There is certainly a case to look externally for upgrades, but the moderate path through free agency will bring its own set of questions. More: Podcast: Is 2025 the right time for Houston to make a superstar trade?
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
NBA's 2025 summer league set for July 10-20 in Las Vegas
NBA's 2025 summer league set for July 10-20 in Las Vegas Assuming the Rockets keep their No. 10 overall draft pick, the rookie could make his Houston debut at the NBA's 2025 summer league in July. The Houston Rockets will once again participate in the NBA 2K Summer League, which takes place this year from July 10-20, 2025, at the Thomas & Mack Center and Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The league's 2025 offseason schedule also includes brief tournaments at the Salt Lake City Summer League and California Classic. However, the Rockets are not among the four teams listed to participate in either of those events. All 30 NBA teams play in the Las Vegas experience, which typically consists of at least five games, per team. The complete schedule, rosters, and broadcast information will be announced in June, with tickets available by visiting Summer rosters are largely comprised of younger players who are looking to turn heads. Some are recent draft picks who are angling for rotation roles in the upcoming season, while others are fighting for G League developmental opportunities. For the Rockets, players from recent draft classes who could be featured include second-year guard Reed Sheppard and third-year wing prospect Cam Whitmore. Houston also currently holds the No. 10 overall selection in the 2025 NBA draft — and if the Rockets keep the pick, the summer showcase would be the first time for that rookie to play in a Houston jersey. The summer-league schedule is not typically released until after each year's draft, since the league decides matchups and television windows in large part based on where the incoming rookie class is drafted. So, stay tuned! The 2025 first round takes place on June 25. Shortly after the draft, each team will finalize its complete summer-league roster and hold a mini-camp in its home market to practice for the games in Las Vegas. Garrett Jackson, an assistant to head coach Ime Udoka with the Rockets, took over the head-coaching duties for Houston at the NBA's 2024 summer league. Ben Sullivan drew that assignment in 2023, when the Rockets advanced to the summer-league championship game. For 2025, Houston's summer-league head coach has yet to be publicly named. More: 2025 NBA mock drafts: Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis frequently linked to Rockets
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
May 2025 update: ESPN ranks Rockets fourth in NBA for future first-round draft assets
With future first-round draft equity held via their own choices and assets from the Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, and Dallas Mavericks, the Houston Rockets are in a lucrative position. Not only did the Rockets finished with the NBA's fourth-best record (52-30) in the recently completed 2024-25 season, but they also have the fourth-best inventory of future picks, according to May 2025 rankings from ESPN's Bobby Marks and Jeremy Woo. Advertisement That's a unique combination, since most good teams rank near the bottom of future draft rankings. After all, many have had to cash in those types of assets on the trade market in order to land a team of such quality. Additionally, draft picks from winning franchises are often low in each year's order, due to the projected strength of that team's roster. But under general manager Rafael Stone, Houston is in a rare position where it can potentially build a sustainable contender. That's due in large part to an ability to continually supplement its team in place with talented young prospects, with many obtained via high selections from other teams that are struggling. Houston drafted Reed Sheppard at No. 3 in 2024 with a pick obtained from Brooklyn, while its No. 10 selection in 2025 is via Phoenix. Another option, of course, is to eventually trade some of those assets for a marquee veteran acquisition (Giannis Antetokounmpo, anyone?) that can further improve Houston's roster. ESPN's Woo summarizes the outlook: If Sheppard's limited role this season is any indicator, the Rockets' depth and quality means it's not a given that whomever they draft (at No. 10 overall in 2025) will need to play consistent minutes under coach Ime Udoka. Though some roster consolidation will eventually be in order, the Rockets are in a strong situation, holding both future draft capital and emerging young talent. That all suggests that Houston can go whatever direction it wants with this pick, whether that's swinging on the prospect with the most upside (as the Rockets often do), or using it as a trade chip to move the roster closer to contention. Advertisement As things stand, Houston's draft outlook beyond 2025 (per ESPN) features nine future first-round picks; only one outgoing selection (a top-four-protected pick to Oklahoma City in 2026); and seven second-round choices. Factoring in the NBA's Stepien rule, which prevents teams from being without first-round selections in consecutive future drafts, this allows the Rockets to trade as many as five first-round picks in a single deal. However, there are ways to creatively get around that rule, in some circumstances. According to ESPN's list, the only three NBA teams with superior future draft outlooks are the Oklahoma City Thunder (No. 1), the Nets (No. 2), and the Utah Jazz (No. 3). The latter two were among the league's worst teams last season. In ESPN's previous rankings from last September (just prior to 2024-25), the Rockets were fifth in the league — trailing the same three teams and San Antonio. However, the Spurs have since fallen to No. 13 after cashing in a number of those future draft assets in a February 2025 trade for De'Aaron Fox. Advertisement More: February 2025 trade deadline update: Rockets' NBA draft assets, protections through 2031 This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: ESPN ranks Rockets fourth in NBA for future first-round draft assets
USA Today
20-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Rockets guard Reed Sheppard seeks support for Kentucky tornado relief
Rockets guard Reed Sheppard seeks support for Kentucky tornado relief 'If you're able to donate, volunteer, or send supplies, please do,' Rockets guard Reed Sheppard writes in the aftermath of a deadly tornado outbreak in his native Kentucky. As a native of London, Kentucky, Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard is personally assisting cleanup efforts after a deadly tornado ravaged his hometown. Drafted at No. 3 overall in the NBA's 2024 first round, the 20-year-old rising star also seeking financial help from his extensive fanbase, as well. In a post to his Instagram account published Monday, Sheppard wrote: Kentucky will always be home. Seeing the devastation from the tornadoes has been heartbreaking. These are the streets I grew up on, the people who raised me, the community that shaped me. I was so thankful to be able to spend some time at home recently, it reminded me just how special this place really is.I've always been proud to be from London, but watching how hardworking, selfless, and strong this community is in the face of tragedy makes me even prouder. You are the true heart is with every family, every neighbor, and every friend who's been impacted. If you're able to donate, volunteer, or send supplies, please do. In his Instagram story, Sheppard — who played one season of college basketball at the nearby University of Kentucky — linked to the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund and The Kentucky Shop as potential donation sites. More: 'You'll never find a better human being': Reed Sheppard assists Kentucky's tornado relief
USA Today
18-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
‘You'll never find a better human being': Reed Sheppard assists Kentucky's tornado relief
'You'll never find a better human being': Reed Sheppard assists Kentucky's tornado relief 'Trust me, you'll never find a better human being than Reed Sheppard,' a resident of London, Kentucky, wrote after Sheppard's tornado relief efforts. 'He is the epitome of raised right.' Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard is a native of London, Kentucky, which suffered significant devastation late last week due to a deadly tornado outbreak. On his personal Instagram account, Sheppard posted a story asking followers to offer financial support, if at all possible. But on a personal level, Sheppard went the extra mile. In a post showing pictures of Sheppard personally assisting in cleanup efforts, London resident Joshua Maxey wrote on his Facebook and Instagram accounts: Reed knew the devastation his hometown received and wanted to do something to help. He called me up to ask what he could do. I said 'Just show up, man, I'll pick you up in 20 minutes. If only for a minute, it'll lift some people who lost everything... (their) spirit.' That wasn't enough for him. He had to do more. We've worked like dogs for the best part of the day and he picked up belongings, toys, roofs, two-by-fours (wood), and everything you can imagine. We've seen the hurt our people were going through. Yet all he's done, like always... he was just Reed. He was one of them. Never forgetting where he came from but being a shoulder to cry on to complete strangers and comforting them with words. This is why we all love him. He is the epitome of raised right, and going above and beyond. Trust me, you'll never find a better human being than Reed Sheppard. He will wanna kill me for taking these pictures, but I couldn't help it,. The world needs to knows there's still good people that don't forget where they came from. Now 20 years old, Sheppard played college basketball at the nearby University of Kentucky before being drafted by Houston at No. 3 overall in the 2024 first round. In a statement posted to his Instagram, Sheppard wrote: This is where I grew up. Where I learned what hard work, heart, and grit really mean. And now, my hometown is hurting. The tornado that hit London left behind so much devastation. Families withour homes, and people without basic necessities. But if there's one thing I know about London, it's that we don't back down. We help each other. We rebuild. I'm asking you to keep Laurel County in your thoughts and prayers. And if you're able to give or support in any way. Sheppard did not link to a specific relief program, though Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear posted as a location to do so. 'From funeral expenses for those lost to help rebuilding, every dollar goes directly to Kentuckians affected,' Beshear writes. More: As Rockets turn focus to 2025-26, Reed Sheppard likely to become a bigger part of formula
