Reed's performance last night was the best in his career, so far. Unlike in OKC where he only played sporadically against the opponent's main rotation -players, the Clippers played to win the game and had their best players mostly in the game. Reed played very well against a playoff-bound set of players. It bodes well for him and the team. It looks like the Rockets have their dead-eye shooter confirmed. If only Ime would give him more playing time by reducing the overuse of FVV, then the results may even be better for the team. Once Reed establishes his reputation with consistent outside shooting and exceptional passing, he will ease the pressure inside on Alpi and open the floor to have Jalen, Bari, and everyone else do their damage. Well, one can dream about next season. Meanwhile, on to the playoffs and Reed better get ready if given the chance.
Last night increased Sheppard's 3 point% by over 2% up to 33% on the season. If he got 2 more starts he could maybe get it to 36 or 37%.
I'm not gonna criticise Udoka too much given the teams resounding success, but I do think it was a mistake to not be more patient with a potential big offensive weapon. I think him possibly costing us a few games would have been worth it. Having said that rookie Reed Sheppard isn't the difference between us and a title this season so not really a big deal in the grand scheme. I think he's still set up to have a really good sophomore season.
OKC was a better game imo and was probably one of the best games a rookie had all season. He was taking Cason Wallace iso off the dribble and running PnR really well. He scored on Jaylen Williams once in that game on a switch if I remember correctly. Last night was great but more of just getting hot from 3 and knocking down some good looks, though the shot from the corner over Kawhi was sick. He ran PG mostly fine last night but had a couple of bad turnovers and it wasn’t on the level of the OKC game where he was in complete control.
It still blows my mind how many people think that players who average 20+ on bad teams (or in this case rookies that have put up stats on cellar dwellars) are good players. With enough usage, any player can look good. Reed is still the best prospect in this draft class and has proved it every time he's been given a loose leash. He just has so much work to do defensively. But that comes with time, reps and protein shakes. He is the reason FVV will likely be here again next year. For the mentorship alone. Shooting 61% from 3 since coming back from injury.
I think Risacher has really started to look good in the games I have seen him play. He and Reed do look like the best of the draft class. It was still a weak draft class overall, but Reed could be a valuable bench piece next year if he can build on his recent shooting spree.
I was hella low on Risacher but he actually does look really good. A little yolo for my liking still vs Reed who's a lot more calculated but I do like his motor and defense. Almost like a smaller more mobile Jabari Smith Jr with a better handle. Wells is another that showed promise. Liked what I saw from Isaiah Collier last time we played the Jazz. Everyone else was forgettable to me. People are high on Castle but he just looks like Dollar General Jrue Holiday to me.
I forgot about Collier. He might end up being the best of the bunch. He looks like what a well-adjusted Cam Whitmore could be.
Reed's 3P% is up to 33.3% after last night. Still not what we all hoped, but it's not bad for a 20yo rookie who barely gets to play. Also his 3P volume per possession/minute is looking very decent (8.0 attempts per 36 minutes). Starting to think he might be just fine next season, and maybe we don't need to prioritize adding backcourt help as much as I thought. Seems like he's starting to adjust to NBA speed and regain some confidence in his shot. He's certainly not to the point yet where I'd be like "don't even bother bringing back FVV, Amen/Jalen/Reed is enough", but I think he can possibly get minutes next season.
Let him ball out these next couple games, maybe he gets some sporadic minutes in the playoffs (doubt it) and let him cook in summer league for one more year. The potential is there and he’s gaining confidence and adjusting to the speed of the league.
that 3 with kawhi all over him was just disrepectful, and i'm all for it!! it's amazing to see how much confidence he has gained from start of season to now. his demeanor is completely different from when he would be hesitant to take threes, now he is taking threes with Kawhi all over him, that's cold blooded. he is definitely ready for more playing time
Bye bye FVV after this season? I’m hoping stone doesn’t make any big trades. Love this young talent plus another lotto pick coming this summer. Minor moves and see how far this great young talent takes you in the future.
Lol I literally said that to my wife the other night. Collier plays like Cam Whitmore thinks he plays.
Reed is going to drop 40 in two summer league games next year and then sit out while we all gloat. I can't wait!
You are correct, but if he cant facilitate it will put a cap on his ceiling similar to Holiday. Now that he has worked on his shot he should work on his ball handling next. He is a decent connective passer since from his college days but if he can improve his ball handling he can do some lead guard duties too.
Maybe we fans need to be more patient .. . not Ime I think things are coming along nicely no real reason to push the man Rocket River
@roslolian I disagree with the first sentence, but agree with the second! His court vision and passing are above average for a rookie and will improve as he gains more experience. He's already a better floor general than Holiday. Absolutely agree his handle has to get tighter and more creative. He can handle the backup PG job today, but if he improves his ball handling, adds some muscle, and works on his finishing skills he can start next year. I know you'll keep me honest, but I'm really excited about how our team is developing and how bright the future looks!
