HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 22: Reed Sheppard #15 of the Houston Rockets reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half in the NBA Emirates Cup at Toyota Center on November 22, 2024 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
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Per the Rockets’ official press release, the NBA announced today that Rockets guard Reed Sheppard was selected to the Castrol Rising Stars event which will take place on February 13 as part of NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. Sheppard also competed in the event as a rookie last season.
Per the release, Sheppard has appeared in all 43 games this season, while averaging 13.1 points, 3.1 assists, 2.5 rebounds, 1.42 steals, and 2.5 three-pointers made on 40.7% shooting in 25 minutes per game. He is on pace to become the first player in NBA history to have averaged at least 13 points, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2.5 three-pointers made in a season while playing fewer than 26 minutes per game.
The 21-year-old Sheppard has scored in double-figures 29 times this season, including 20+ six times and 30+twice, after scoring 10+ six times as a rookie in 2024-2025. Sheppard ranks seventh in steal-to-turnover ratio this season (1.20) and 21st in plus/minus rating (+201), including sixth (+153) for players coming off the bench.
Sheppard was selected third overall in the 2024 draft by the Rockets following a standout freshman season at the University of Kentucky. Recognized for his elite shooting (52.1% from three-point range), the 6’2 guard was named 2024 National Freshman of the Year. But Sheppard had a disappointing rookie season with the Rockets that included a demotion to the G League. Playing on a Rockets team with playoff aspirations, Sheppard struggled to find his footing and earn a rotation spot from head coach Ime Udoka. He averaged just 12.6 minutes per game, shooting just 33.8% from long distance.
It’s been a different story this year as Sheppard has solidified his role as one of the first players off Udoka’s bench. While he hasn’t seized the starting point guard role in the wake of Fred VanVleet’s injury, as hoped, Sheppard has proven to be a valuable contributor for the Rockets in his second season. The Rockets hope that as Sheppard improves, he naturally grows into the starting point guard role with VanVleet having just one season remaining on his contract (a player option which he almost surely will exercise). Sheppard will not be eligible for an extension to his rookie contract for another additional season.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rahathuq/2026/01/26/rockets-guard-reed-sheppard-selected-to-2026-castrol-rising-stars/
