The NBA landscape has evolved dramatically over the years, and the Houston Rockets have often been at the forefront of those changes. Whether it was the three-point revolution or challenging traditional roles, the Rockets have consistently raised the question: “What exactly is a point guard?”
During the James Harden era, his high assist numbers made many wonder if he was truly a point guard. Yet, the Rockets still paired him with Chris Paul, forming one of the most formidable backcourts in the league.
Fast forward to 2024, and Fred VanVleet is now the primary point guard for the Rockets. A more traditional point guard, VanVleet brings stability to the position, but the long-term future remains uncertain.
The Rockets drafted Amen Thompson with hopes that he would grow into the team’s future point guard. However, Jackson Gatlin from Locked on Rockets is now suggesting that another young talent, Reed Sheppard, could be the answer.
Rockets Face a Dilemma at Point Guard
“Reed Sheppard is going to be Fred VanVleet’s direct backup this season,” Gatlin said.
While intriguing, this development isn’t entirely shocking. Last season, Thompson wasn’t VanVleet’s direct backup either—that role belonged primarily to Aaron Holiday. So, the question is: Do the Rockets still plan to give Thompson a shot at point guard, or are they shifting their focus?
There are legitimate concerns about Thompson’s future as a lead ball-handler. In today’s NBA, a point guard who struggles with shooting presents challenges. As a rookie, Thompson generated just 0.79 points per possession (PPP) in pick-and-roll situations—an underwhelming stat compared to fellow rookie Scoot Henderson (0.86 PPP), who also faced efficiency issues.
The pick-and-roll remains one of the NBA’s most crucial sets, and if Thompson can’t improve in that area, his viability as a floor general may be in jeopardy.
On the other hand, Sheppard is unproven in the NBA but brings shooting prowess to the table. During his time at Kentucky, he shot an impressive 52.1% from beyond the arc, which could make him a more dynamic option in certain scenarios. Unlike Thompson, defenders won’t be able to sag off Sheppard, making him a more immediate threat. However, questions remain about his ability to beat defenders off the dribble and improve his ball-handling.
Who Is the Point Guard of the Future?
In reality, the Rockets may not need to settle on one point guard. Both Thompson and Sheppard offer complementary skill sets that could allow them to coexist on the court. Thompson’s elite athleticism and rim pressure could open up playmaking opportunities, while Sheppard’s shooting could space the floor and force defenders to stay honest.
If both players reach their potential, the Rockets could deploy a multi-guard lineup with versatile playmaking. Add Alperen Sengun to the mix—another adept playmaker from the center position—and Houston could redefine what it means to run an offense.
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