Reed Sheppard: Rising Star of the Houston Rockets After Fred VanVleet’s Injury
The Houston Rockets are entering the 2025–26 NBA season with a dramatic change in their backcourt plans. Veteran guard Fred VanVleet, one of the most experienced players on the team, has suffered a serious ACL injury during an offseason workout in the Bahamas, an unfortunate setback that is expected to sideline him for most, if not all, of the upcoming season. With VanVleet unavailable, the Rockets are now looking toward their promising young talent—Reed Sheppard—to lead the team as the starting point guard.
This shift places enormous responsibility on Sheppard, who was selected third overall in the 2024 NBA Draft and has quickly become one of the most exciting young prospects in the league. His journey from a small-town Kentucky star to an NBA starter is inspiring, and this season could be the turning point in his career.
Early Life and Background
Full Name: Isaiah Reed Sheppard
Birthdate: June 24, 2004
Hometown: London, Kentucky, USA
Reed Sheppard grew up in London, Kentucky, in a family deeply connected to basketball. His father, Jeff Sheppard, played for the University of Kentucky and won the 1998 NCAA Championship, while his mother, Stacey Reed Sheppard, was also a standout Kentucky basketball player. Basketball wasn’t just a sport in his home—it was a way of life.
At North Laurel High School, Reed quickly established himself as a star athlete. As a freshman, he became the team’s starting shooting guard and averaged 20.6 points per game. His scoring ability and maturity on the court were unusual for his age. By his sophomore year, he led the entire state of Kentucky in scoring, averaging an incredible 30.1 points per game in 28 games.
During his junior season, Sheppard continued to dominate all aspects of the game, averaging 25.5 points, 7.6 assists, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.4 steals per game. His leadership, two-way playmaking, and high basketball IQ earned him the title of Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year.
In his senior year, Sheppard received major national recognition. He was selected to play in the prestigious 2023 McDonald’s All-American Game. That same season, he averaged 22.5 points, 8.5 assists, and 8.4 rebounds, earning the title of Kentucky Mr. Basketball. He finished his high school career with 3,727 career points, 1,214 assists, and 1,050 rebounds, solidifying himself as one of the most accomplished high school athletes in state history.
College Career at Kentucky
Reed Sheppard stayed true to his roots and committed to the University of Kentucky, one of the most successful college basketball programs in the country. Under head coach John Calipari, Sheppard developed into a versatile scorer and elite defender.
In his freshman season (2023–24), Sheppard averaged:
- 12.5 points per game
- 4.3 rebounds per game
- 4.5 assists per game
- 2.5 steals per game
His impact was immediate and undeniable. He was named:
- USBWA National Freshman of the Year
- NABC National Freshman of the Year
- SEC Freshman of the Year
- Second-Team All-SEC
His ability to shoot from long range, defend multiple positions, and facilitate the offense made NBA scouts take notice.
NBA Draft and Selection by the Houston Rockets
In the 2024 NBA Draft, Reed Sheppard was selected by the Houston Rockets with the 3rd overall pick. The Rockets saw him not just as a sharpshooter but as a modern guard capable of leading an offense, defending at a high level, and making smart decisions under pressure.
During his rookie season, Sheppard appeared in 52 games, averaging:
- 4.4 points
- 1.5 rebounds
- 1.4 assists
- 35.1% field-goal shooting
Though these numbers were modest, his role was limited as he played behind Fred VanVleet. Still, he showed flashes of brilliance—quick hands on defense, confidence in clutch shooting moments, and a high basketball IQ.
Fred VanVleet’s Injury and Its Impact
The Rockets’ plans took a dramatic turn during the offseason. Fred VanVleet suffered a torn ACL during a workout in the Bahamas—an unexpected blow to both the team’s experience and leadership. Initial reports suggest he could miss the entire 2025–26 season, leaving a major hole in the backcourt.
VanVleet was not just the starting point guard—he was the team’s veteran leader, someone the younger players relied on both on and off the court. His absence means the Rockets must now restructure their lineup and trust their younger players.
Reed Sheppard Steps Up: Expected Starter for 2025–26 Season
With VanVleet out, the Rockets coaching staff, led by Head Coach Ime Udoka, has identified Reed Sheppard as the leading candidate to step into the starting point guard role. According to NBA insider Evan Sidery, the Rockets are preparing Sheppard to run the offense from Day 1.
Having a legend like Kevin Durant alongside young stars like Smith Jr. and Şengün gives Sheppard the perfect environment to grow. Durant’s experience and ability to score will take pressure off Sheppard, allowing him to focus on playmaking and spacing the floor.
Houston Rockets Current Roster (2025–26 Season)
Here are the key players on the Rockets roster heading into the new season:
- Aaron Holiday
- Kevon Harris
- Amen Thompson
- Dorian Finney-Smith
- JD Davison
- Fred VanVleet (Injured)
- Kevin Durant
- Jae’Sean Tate
- Jabari Smith Jr.
- Steven Adams
- Reed Sheppard
- Tari Eason
- Josh Okogie
- Isaiah Crawford
- Alperen Şengün
- Clint Capela
- Jeff Green
Coaching and Staff
- Head Coach: Ime Udoka
- Assistant Coaches: Ben Sullivan, Royal Ivey, Garrett Jackson, Cam Hodges, Mike Moser
- Team Trainer: Jason Biles
This coaching team is known for developing young guards and building strong defensive systems—perfect for a player like Sheppard.
What Makes Reed Sheppard Special?
Elite Shooting
Sheppard is a reliable three-point shooter with quick release and deep shooting range.
High Basketball IQ
He makes smart passes, reads defenses well, and has a natural feel for the game.
Two-Way Guard
Unlike many young guards, Sheppard is also a strong defender. His quick hands and anticipation lead to steals and fast breaks.
Calm Under Pressure
Even in tight NBA games, Sheppard has shown maturity and confidence.
Challenges Ahead
Taking over as a starting point guard is never easy—especially for a young player. Reed Sheppard will face challenges like:
- Handling pressure from expectations
- Playing against elite NBA point guards
- Managing turnovers and game pace
- Building chemistry with Kevin Durant and other teammates
However, with his strong mentality and experience from Kentucky, he is prepared to take on the challenge.
Conclusion: A New Era for Houston
The injury to Fred VanVleet is a major setback, but it also opens the door for a new star to rise. Reed Sheppard is no longer just a promising rookie—he is now the future of the Houston Rockets’ backcourt.
With his talent, work ethic, and support from teammates like Durant, Şengün, and Jabari Smith Jr., this could be the season that defines his career. Fans, analysts, and the entire basketball world will be watching closely as Reed Sheppard steps into the spotlight.