NBA Draft Matchmaker: Houston Rockets

Playing NBA Draft Matchmaker for the Houston Rockets comes with…potential complications.

While the Rockets signed Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks last summer and were aggressive on Mikal Bridges before the February trade deadline, it seems fair to note that the franchise is in a state of acceleration.

(They shouldn’t be, but that’s a conversation for another day.)

As such, the third overall selection is in flux.

Will he be included in a larger trade for an established player before the draft? Will the Rockets keep him? Will they make the selection, then trade him later in the summer?

In reality, we probably shouldn’t expect them to keep the choice. This is not me reporting anything, but just reading the tea leaves.

However, if I’m wrong, let’s try to find the best piece for the Rockets, assuming they stay with their current group and don’t make any major changes this offseason.

While he could be selected pretty high here, at No. 3, the Rockets would benefit from immediate bench depth and a third guard who can rotate with VanVleet and Jalen Green.

Reed Sheppard.

The 6-foot-3 combo guard is a terrific shooter, having made over 52 percent of his shots from downtown this season, and he tests well defensively, which should endear him to head coach Ime Udoka.

The Rockets may be considering using last year’s lottery pick Amen Thompson more next season. But his size allows him to be used more as a wing, and his lack of outside shooting might even force him into such a role regardless.

Sheppard should be able to support both Green and VanVleet, providing the Rockets with a player who could take over the position when VanVleet enters his 30s, or even take over the shooting role if the team ends up moving on from Green.

However, it’s Sheppard’s pairing with center Alperen Şengün that excites me the most. As the Turkish center is already one of the best playmakers at his position, having a sniper moving around the perimeter, waiting for shots on goal, will be a luxury that he can make the most of.

Sheppard isn’t as happy in isolation as Green and should be an easier player to implement next to Şengün, due to the way he looks for shots.

And let’s be honest, that has to be the question the Rockets ask themselves regarding any addition to the roster.

“How does this player fit into Şengün?”

After all, he’s not only their best player, but he’s also the player with the most upside out of everyone on the roster. Determining who is the best fit is an absolute necessity.

Sheppard’s off-ball abilities, combined with his defensive prowess, would make a perfect fit.

Unless otherwise stated, all statistics via NBA.com, PBPStats, Clean the glass Or Basketball reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All chances thanks to FanDuel Sports Betting.

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