I remember one of my biggest fears of Sheppard coming out of the draft, and why I was generally not as high on him as most Rockets fans, was that I wonder if his athleticism will play up in the NBA. This was seen last season and this summer league is really showing it. He just doesn't look like man among boys the way previous Rockets picks like Jabari, Tari, Amen looked. This doesn't mean I don't think he will succeed in the NBA. But it does again make me wonder if Ime is capable of helping him reach his ceiling. Because last year the Rockets system and his skillset clearly didn't mesh. If that doesn't change, I'm pessimistic about his future here beyond just being a backup.
He didn’t look good today. But, summer league is so helter skelter. He’s trying to learn how to run a team, but it will take time. Sometimes he looks in control, and other times he looks lost. All to be expected in my opinion. I don’t know if he will ever be a strong finisher at the rim, but I think he can be good at the stop and pop in the lane. I really wish he had spent more time last season in the G league honing his PG skills.
The difference between Reed and Cam is Reed will actually try to adapt to what is required of him while Cam was too focused on himself and wildly overestimates his ability. For at least this season, Reed's primary job with the Rockets is to be a sniper on offense and a non-liability on defense. He won't be asked to play-make much because KD, Alpi, Amen and others will attract attention from defenders. The latter part of last season, Reed proved he belonged on the court. In the NBA, players aren't allowed to play "target practice" while defending. Certain actions are automatic fouls. Period. My main concern is his defense. During meaningful games, opponents will target him even worse than Jalen.
Not great, it looked like a typical Jalen Green game only with more defense. You might have liked it though.
Perhaps but we shall see what he becomes. I think in summer league he is adjusting to this role as leader and it is obvious he is trying to do too much to fulfill this role, Needs to simplify his game and understand his role, which ultimately, I think he will if he is in the rotation in the reg season. Issues he needs to resolve are his lack of discipline on defense and making better reads and shot selection on offense.
Reed glued to the bench for sure. I don't think Ime has the patience to develop Reed especially with KD here to win now. Hopefully this won't be the case. If it is the case, then it's going to backfire in Ime's face when he runs the starters into the ground as they advance deeper into the playoffs.
Attitude wise they're different. But performance wise both players played better when they had more role in the offense. In a way this reminded me of the whole Jeremy Lin vs. Beverley. I see more Lin in Reed where you kinda need to let him cook a bit. Rather than treat him as a plug and play guy like Beverley where he just stands around to space the floor. He failed at the latter role last season even though he "had the right attitude" and accepted that role. The way Cam did not
Think it's unfortunate but Reed is not an NBA athlete. We'd be wise to realize that sooner rather than later, I hope we can turn him into a draft pick
I don't want to be a Debbie Downer but im not big on Reed at all. I just feel like he doesn't have that dog in him. You need to have a little street in you and i just feel like something is missing with him.
With Cam, you might be right. If he isn't the focus or at least the second scoring option in the offense, he may not be able to function. I don't see Reed having any problem playing off the ball waiting for his turn. Instinctively, he's a very unselfish player. He did quite well taking only 8 shots per game in nearly 30 mins at Kentucky.
Reed is just too small. I hope he could be like a Chris Paul type of PG but he's just not savvy enough to orchestrate a offense lke CP3.
Reed wasn't very good. It still seems like a really strong defender picking him up taking the ball across midcourt will create problems. I do think they told Reed to shoot as much as possible. This caused him to take shots he probably wouldn't in a regular NBA game. But he didn't make many of them. The 3 point percentage is going to bug me if it doesn't improve. He can't be a PG or a short SG if he can't make 3's above average in the league. This was just one SL game and he's very young. This shtty team isn't helping things. Reed as a three point shooter off the bench has potential this year. Reed as a backup PG has less potential to me. Maybe against second units it could work for 15 minutes a game. Maybe not. If Amen plays backup PG when Fred sits then Reed can be a short SG. But he has to start making 3's. No 3's and I don't see what value he brings this year.
Through two summer league performances and what we saw from him in limited action last year: 1). He’s not as quick as you would like 2). His handles still need a lot of work 3). He gambles a a lot on defense and gets beat a lot, but never gives up on a play. 4). He’s got extremely quick hands and will force lots of turnovers in the NBA. Has a chance to be a perennial leader in steals if he eventually plays starter minutes. 5). When he has time and gets his feet set he’s a knock down shooter. When he forces the shot, shoots off balance, doesn’t set his feet, it looks bad. 6). Can shoot off the dribble at a high level but needs screens to get the separation he needs. 7). Can’t create his own shot yet 8). Good midrange game 9). Needs a lot of work finishing at the rim 10). Sees the floor well but still learning to be an on-ball player. 11). Passing skills are there but needs to take better care of the ball 12). Needs better conditioning, more cardio. Was winded and shooting suffers. Leaves shots short wven he’s tired. 13). More work in the weight room needed to build upper body strength, but I see some progress there from last yr. If he improves his handles he can be a really good player. Reed has obliviously spent his life practicing shooting, but he needs to spend his early NBA career practicing his ball skills. he was more aggressive and confident these past two games. He’s had the most defensive attention of almost any player in summer league and the least help in terms of his supporting squad. It’s not an excuse but it’s important context. He’s got a long way to go, but if he improves the handles he’s going to be a good nba player. Keep the faith. If he sh#ts the bed over the course of the season then folks can be concerned. He should be good to play a 15 min backup role, but he’s gonna have to prove himself this season.
In summer league youre supposed to work on things. I wasn't a huge fan of drafting him, but I see his path. He can get in the paint and his shot looks on course, he just needs reps.
To me hes always felt like the undersized 2 guard running around screens as his primary. The attention he'd draw would put his passins skills to use. I dont see a iso or main playmaker but thats not a bad thing. I pray we see him play the rip/klay role a bit this year
yes 10/25 is just not good even for a small guard. the NBA is just so much more physical than the G league and Summer league But I hope so my guy, the 3rd overall even in a weak draft is a pretty asset.
