People are focusing on Reed Sheppard, but really it's Point Amen who really need to step up

Correct. This is much more about Amen than Reed, but both guys must step up big time at the point position early in the season.

Rockets will now 100% trade for another PG, we just don't know when.

 

So, the idea is that we force Amen into a role he's not any good at, and prevent him from doing the things he's really, really good at? Smart.

 

Dribble it up and get it to the Senhub for all of your initiating needs.

 

Amen is not a point guard.

 

Not sure I agree with much of your post at all. Amen doesn't need to "step up." He's already established himself as a fantastic player who can play multiple positions. Nor is he pigeonholed into being a PG. He should play whatever position is best for him. The Rockets shouldn't make any drastic conclusions that could impact his development just because FVV - who isn't a factor in our long-term plans - is injured.

Also, the idea that the "optimistic" projection for Sheppard is a "backup PG" is ludicrous. He's a second year player who was a top 3 pick. The front office has said he may be the most gifted offensive player on the roster (aside from KD of course).

Amen doesn't need to "step up." He's already stepped up. Sheppard is the one who needs to take a step.

 

I was encouraged by how much growth Amen showed in the time FVV was on the shelf last season. He still wasn't good, but he showed significant improvement. FVV isn't really a playmaker, he's more of a game a manager. If Amen can continue on his trajectory I think he can certainly manage that. Run a basic PnR, or get the ball to Sengun/Durant.

The point of attack defense and shooting concerns me more. Amen can guard anybody, but now if we face a team that can put multiple scoring guards on the floor it could be an issue, not to mention our already bad spacing issues.

Reed is certainly the one who needs to take an offensive leap to cover. He's gonna take some L's on defense but he has to become the shooting/scoring threat we hoped he would be.

 

Yes. Sengun has shown over the years, and much more at the Eurobasket, that he is an excellent playmaker. All Reed has to do is protect the ball as he dribbles it up the court and hand the ball to Sengun and KD. The other players should be moving and Amen cutting to the basket regularly. Reed can get out of the way and try to free himself for a shot from outside. Reed is a better passer, and shooter, on paper, than FVV. His main weakness is on defense that he, hopefully, has addressed in the offseason. I have confidence in him to step up. Amen, without being a threat as an outside shooter will not be effective as a PG. His handles are not even that great to handle the PG duties. His biggest asset is his inside presence and defense.

 

Sengun needs to step up to play Point Center.

 

People forget how Fred made things a lot easier for Sengun. He was the best at getting him the ball in the paint and off of pick and rolls which other players seem to struggle at. People downplaying Fred saying they never wanted him re-signed is going to see a big difference.