KD missing next two games due to a “family matter”

50 games? Is he playing 2 minute quarters.

 

Fair enough argument but I'm not sure I agree. For me the biggest problem with Sheppard's defense is always dealing with strong players.

He's a poor fit in the zone defense, but I don't pin that on him. He's just too small and not especially strong or fast. I'm not yet a believer that quick hands can be a big enough factor when he's not playing the microwave bench role. I want to see real defense.

In the long term though I don't see any issue with his defense. I think he'll be fine. He's a studious person and a hard worker. He'll put on the muscle and get better at fundamentals. No shame in hiding him in the mean time.