In his Summer League debut, Reed Sheppard initially struggled to make an impact but quickly adapted by observing the game from the bench during the first quarter, reports Kelly Iko of The Athletic. Returning to action, Sheppard showcased the skills that made him the Rockets’ No. 3 draft pick: a sharp jump shot, keen defensive instincts, and a strong basketball IQ.
According to Houston’s Summer League coach Garrett Jackson, Sheppard maintained composure and let the game come to him, excelling particularly in pick-and-roll situations where he made smart decisions. His performance peaked in the third quarter against the Lakers, scoring 12 of his 23 points while demonstrating his ability to exploit defensive openings and create scoring opportunities for his team.
Comparisons were drawn between Sheppard’s instincts and those of Rockets’ point guard Fred VanVleet, highlighting similar defensive prowess and court awareness. Meanwhile, Cam Whitmore, despite a successful rookie season, returned to Summer League driven by a desire to lead by example and elevate his team’s performance. AJ Griffin also found rejuvenation with the Rockets after a career slowdown in Atlanta, motivated to prove himself in a new environment.
