HOUSTON – Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka is seeing promising signs from second-year guard Reed Sheppard, and he’s drawing comparisons to a legendary figure from his own playing days. Udoka recently likened Sheppard’s impact and versatility to that of Manu Ginobili, the four-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer who starred with the San Antonio Spurs.
Sheppard, the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has steadily increased his role with the Rockets, particularly after Fred VanVleet’s ACL tear during minicamp. Initially utilized as a sparkplug scorer off the bench, Sheppard has demonstrated a growing skillset that extends beyond simply providing instant offense. He’s shown legitimate point guard capabilities, a crucial asset for a Rockets team seeking to solidify its backcourt.
The Rockets have gone 8-2 when Sheppard starts this season, a testament to his growing influence on the team’s success. Whereas Amen Thompson has often been tasked with ball-handling duties as a wing player, Udoka has experimented with Sheppard at the point, though not consistently. The coach emphasized the need to balance offensive firepower with defensive considerations, especially in the wake of injuries to key players.
Udoka discussed Sheppard’s value during an appearance on SportsTalk 790, the official flagship station of the Rockets, speaking with Matt Thomas of The Matt Thomas Demonstrate. He highlighted the importance of finding the right balance within the team’s lineup and maximizing Sheppard’s potential.
Sheppard’s Versatility Echoes Ginobili’s Impact
“People see the scoring and highlight plays and kind of obtain fixated with that, but there’s a balance to a team. Whether you’re looking at it from a defensive standpoint, with the starting lineup or offensive standpoint. You lose certain things with Fred being out and Dillon being gone,” Udoka explained. “And so we want to replace that and maintain your identity, as far as that. Fred being gone this year and our two main handlers being out there together at the start of the game, in Amen and Reed, it’s easier to stagger those guys. Definitely a consideration for us and he’s started at times.”
The comparison to Ginobili is particularly noteworthy, given Udoka’s own experience playing alongside the Argentinian star in San Antonio. Ginobili was renowned for his unpredictable style, clutch performances, and ability to create scoring opportunities out of seemingly nothing. Udoka also mentioned Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams as players who possessed a similar knack for impactful scoring.
“I take it to a guy like Manu Ginobili, who I’ve been around, played with, coached. Whether it’s Jamal Crawford, Lou Williams, all those guys are valuable for that specific reason,” Udoka said. “Reed is fine with whatever. If Reed was as concerned as the rest of the world, I don’t think he’d be where he’s at right now. We’ll look at everything. As always, since I’ve been here, whoever finishes and who’s playing well is going to be in there at the end. And that’s honestly more important to us.”
Rockets Relying on Sheppard’s Growth
Sheppard’s recent performance has been a key factor in the Rockets’ improved play. Over his last 10 games, he’s averaging 16.8 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.8 steals while shooting 48 percent from the field and 45.8 percent from three-point range. He recently had a standout performance against the Washington Wizards on March 5, 2026, finishing with 19 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists, and six steals – a stat line only previously achieved by James Harden and Scottie Pippen in franchise history, according to The Athletic.
The Rockets’ success is also tied to the team’s overall improvement, having won seven of their last ten games. The team is currently navigating a challenging Western Conference landscape, with the standings showing the Clippers at 31-32 as of March 9, 2026, according to StatMuse.
As the Rockets continue to evolve, Udoka’s willingness to experiment with Sheppard’s role suggests a growing trust in the young guard’s abilities. The coach’s emphasis on rewarding players who perform well indicates that Sheppard’s continued success will be crucial to his increased playing time and overall impact on the team.
What comes next for Sheppard and the Rockets will depend on their ability to maintain their recent momentum and navigate the remaining games of the season. The team’s performance will undoubtedly be closely watched as they strive to solidify their position in the competitive Western Conference playoff picture.
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