Rockets' Reed Sheppard Considered One of the Favorites for Sixth Man Award

The second-year guard has emerged as a key offensive weapon for the playoff-contending Rockets.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:36pm

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Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard is having a breakout sophomore season, emerging as one of the team's top scorers and 3-point shooters. Sheppard's significant year-over-year improvement in points per game has him in the running for the NBA's Most Improved Player award, and his ability to create offense for himself and others has made him a valuable sixth man for the playoff-contending Rockets.

Why it matters

The Rockets have struggled with 3-point shooting this season, so Sheppard's emergence as an efficient long-range threat has been crucial to their success. His development is also a positive sign for the Rockets' future, as they look to build around their young core of players.

The details

Sheppard is shooting 39% from 3-point range on 6.8 attempts per game this season, up from 4.4 points per game last year. Since the All-Star break, he's been the Rockets' best shooter, making 40.2% of his 3-pointers on a team-high 7.5 attempts per contest. Sheppard has also shown the ability to create offense for himself and others, serving as the Rockets' pick-and-roll maestro.

  • Sheppard has already surpassed the league's 65-game minimum requirement, having played 66 games this season.
  • Since the All-Star break, Sheppard has averaged 14 points per game, tied for the Rockets' fourth-highest scorer during that stretch.

The players

Reed Sheppard

A second-year guard for the Houston Rockets who has emerged as one of the team's top scorers and 3-point shooters this season.

Jalen Duren

A Rockets prospect who is also considered a legitimate candidate for the NBA's Most Improved Player award.

Ryan Rollins

A Rockets prospect who is also considered a legitimate candidate for the NBA's Most Improved Player award.

Jalen Johnson

A Rockets prospect who is also considered a legitimate candidate for the NBA's Most Improved Player award.

Deni Avidja

A Portland Trail Blazers prospect who is also considered a serious contender for the NBA's Most Improved Player award after making the All-Star team.

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What they’re saying

“Reed Sheppard's gotta be up there for Most Improved. When you look at the start of the season last year, the first game of the year, with how much he has improved throughout the season, it's been impressive.”

— Richard Jefferson, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

Sheppard will look to continue his strong play as the Rockets push for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. His development will be a key factor in determining how far the team can go this postseason.

The takeaway

Sheppard's breakout season has been a bright spot for the Rockets, who have struggled with 3-point shooting as a team. His emergence as a reliable scoring threat and playmaker off the bench has made him a leading candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year award, and his continued growth could be a sign of good things to come for Houston's young core.