Reed Sheppard Stats Tonight: Rockets star rookie endures subdued NBA debut vs. Hornets
Reed Sheppard made his NBA debut for the Houston Rockets against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. The former Kentucky star entered the game in the first quarter with 4:38 on the clock to take out Jabari Smith Jr. He went 0-for-2 but had two rebounds, an assist and a block before the period ended.
Sheppard opened the Rockets’ scoring in the second quarter with a 12-foot floater. He missed an open 3-pointer three plays later but continued to make an impact with his defense and passing. The rookie didn’t have his usual efficient shooting stroke but had a steady night in the first half of his first NBA regular season game. Sheppard and the Rockets trailed 60-49 after two quarters of play.
The No. 3 pick in the 2024 NBA draft couldn't replicate the same impact in the second half. He re-entered the game with 5:03 in the third quarter for Dillon Brooks. Sheppard contributed two points but committed a turnover and a foul before Fred VanVleet relieved him a few seconds before the period ended.
The rookie started the fourth quarter but Ime Udoka took him out for good early. He had a turnover and a foul in back-to-back plays. Sheppard didn't see action again once he came out.
Here are Reed Sheppard's stats versus the Charlotte Hornets:
Rockets coach Ime Udoka gave Reed Sheppard a short leash
Coach Ime Udoka can count on Jalen Green, Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore and Tari Eason on the perimeter. It wasn't surprising that he gave Reed Sheppard a short leash, particularly when the rookie struggled. He had his moments, but the highly contested game subdued him.
Udoka gave Sheppard another opportunity in the fourth quarter, but a turnover and a foul in consecutive plays forced his hand. The coach went to his tested perimeter crew led by VanVleet and Green to end the game.
Wednesday's game is the first in the Rockets' 82 game-schedule. Sheppard will get his chance to show what he can do. Tonight, though, Udoka gave him a short leash.