The Houston Rockets have high expectations for Reed Sheppard to be the kind of player that two-time MVP Steve Nash was in his prime. Houston had a terrible ending to the season where they tried to contend for an NBA Championship after acquiring Kevin Durant via trade. However, another first round exit could see them making big moves this summer to improve the roster via many young prospects with value.
Ramona Shelburne reported that the Rockets view Sheppard as a future superstar and will likely do everything they can to keep him:
“The Rockets have believed deeply in Sheppard since drafting him at No. 3 in 2024 — one spot ahead of eventual Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. Internally, there’s a belief Sheppard has the potential to develop into an all-time great, such as former Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash, if given enough time and the right conditions. Externally, there is less of a consensus on Sheppard.”
Shelburne revealed that some people within Houston’s franchise have compared Sheppard to Nash when forecasting his future. The Rockets want Sheppard to be one of the key pieces they contend for a title, but his evolution will take multiple seasons. Houston is risking their current window with Kevin Durant going by if Sheppard takes too long or doesn’t develop into an All-Star.
Rival Scout Said Sheppard Will Be Like Steve Kerr
Shelburne shared another interesting tidbit in her report about the Rockets season ending and how Sheppard is viewed. Another rival scout was told about the Nash comparisons, and he gave her a wild quote comparing him to Steve Kerr instead.
Despite being respected as a winning player who contributed to titles for the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs, Kerr was never star a player. Teams benefited from Kerr’s three-point shooting off the bench in limited minutes. Chicago never started Kerr, and he was often pulled late in games for defensive reasons.
Sheppard would never sniff an All-Star Game if his career were similar to Kerr’s. Both comparisons feel like extremes. Sheppard is clearly a talented player with All-Star potential after getting drafted third just two drafts ago. An argument can be made he’s already better than Kerr was in his playing career.
Rockets Must Make Right Trades This Summer
Houston is reportedly willing to listen to trade offers for anyone for the right move. Durant could get traded for multiple pieces to improve the depth. Young prospects like Sheppard, Jabari Smith, and even All-Stars Alperen Sengun could be dealt for a superstar.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a name that Houston and just about every other playoff team will have interest in. The Durant trade from last summer already shows signs of hurting the team now and in the future, but they have enough assets to make another move.
Rockets’ management’s next trade must be a home run and make the team a true contender against West favorites like the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. Only so few moves are left before Houston blows their chance of getting a ring with this core.
Rockets Shockingly Compare Reed Sheppard To Legendary MVP