Rockets rookie Reed Sheppard thankful for guidance, mentoring of veteran Fred VanVleet
During his NBA debut (excluding summer league), rookie guard Reed Sheppard was relatively quiet for the Rockets in Houston's preseason loss at Utah on Monday. In 20 minutes played, the No. 3 overall draft pick from the 2024 first round had 4 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a steal while shooting 2-of-7 from the field (28.6%) and missing all four of his 3-pointers.
But in Wednesday's exhibition victory at Oklahoma City, the Kentucky product showed significant improvement. In 23 minutes, Sheppard finished with 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal while making 5-of-7 shots (71.4%), including his lone 3-pointer. Houston went +4 as a team in the sharpshooter's minutes on Wednesday, as compared to -10 two days earlier.
In comments to media members after Friday's team practice in Houston, Sheppard acknowledged there were nerves heading into his debut. He added, however, that he felt much more comfortable versus the Thunder, and he credited guidance from his teammates in helping him adapt.
One teammate he singled out as being especially helpful is veteran point guard Fred VanVleet, who seems to be mentoring Sheppard as something of an understudy at a similar position and role.
Regarding VanVleet, Sheppard said:
I'm learning a lot from the guys, and especially Fred. He's been unbelievable to me, talking to me on and off the court.
He's just helping me with everything. Any questions I ask, he's answering and giving details, and just being there for me.
After Friday's practice, VanVleet and Sheppard worked together on a number of drills. When asked about those, Sheppard said:
When you see your vet, your point guard going through drills 40 minutes after practice, that shows something to the whole team. If he can do it, everybody can do it.
Him telling me to come over and get some work in with him, that means a lot to me, just because I know what he's done as a player in the NBA.
VanVleet was an All-Star in 2022 with the Toronto Raptors, and he logged the NBA's sixth-most minutes during his debut season with Houston last year. But with Sheppard now playing off the bench behind him, the Rockets are hopeful of perhaps being able to limit the 30-year-old's minutes just a bit in 2024-25 — and perhaps add some more efficiency due to those fresher legs.
Sheppard and the Rockets will resume preseason play with next Tuesday's home exhibition versus New Orleans. Tipoff from Toyota Center is set for 7:00 p.m. Central.
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This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets rookie Reed Sheppard thankful for guidance of Fred VanVleet
