Rockets rookie flourished in G League assignment

It’s not unusual for a first-round draft pick to spend time in the G League for development, but it’s a different scenario for a top-three pick. Nevertheless, this path has been taken by Houston Rockets rookie Reed Sheppard.

As the Rockets sit near the top of the Western Conference standings, Sheppard has seen limited playing time, prompting the decision to send the 20-year-old to the NBA’s minor league for further development.

Through 30 games in the NBA, the 6-foot-2 guard has averaged just 3.3 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists, struggling with low shooting percentages in his brief appearances. However, a stint with the Rockets' G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, has proved to be a productive move for the rookie.

Vipers' Hot Streak

Sheppard wasted no time showcasing his skills with the Vipers, scoring an impressive 49 points in his G League debut. In addition to his scoring outburst, he grabbed five rebounds, dished out eight assists, recorded three steals and blocked one shot.

The sharpshooter continued his strong play throughout three games, averaging 30.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 2.7 steals while shooting 40.5 percent from beyond the arc. He hit 15 three-pointers during this stretch, ranking first in the G League.

With a lull in the G League schedule, Sheppard’s performances led to his recall to the Rockets’ NBA roster.

"I think I learned a lot. The biggest thing was just getting my confidence back," Sheppard said, reflecting on his time with the Vipers. "To play free, play loose, just play the game of basketball and enjoy it. The NBA is different. There’s a lot of great players, so being able to go down and get some reps and just get the confidence back up and stuff, it was a lot of fun this week."

The rookie added that he feels physically and mentally rejuvenated from the assignment. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka emphasized that he wants to see a more confident Sheppard moving forward.

Looking Ahead

While Sheppard’s G League stint may not be his last this season, the Rockets’ current position near the top of the Western Conference means minutes will remain scarce. Still, his potential, especially as a shooter, is evident.

When the Rockets’ schedule allows, the former Kentucky standout will likely return to the Vipers, a team with a history of developing talent for Houston, having won four G League championships in the past 15 years. His time in the G League will allow him to stay sharp and prepared for the call-up when the Rockets need him.

With a packed schedule, including back-to-backs, the G League could serve as a valuable resource for Houston to keep the rookie fresh and ready to contribute when needed.

Sheppard is far from the only NBA rookie making use of the G League this season. In 2025 alone, eight NBA call-ups have occurred from the minor league, with 21 for the entire 2024-25 season so far. This growing trend highlights the G League’s increasing role as a development tool for rising NBA talent.