Kevin Durant made his preseason debut for the Rockets as Houston went up against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. The Rockets won 140-127, and Durant notched 20 points with ease in his debut as he shot 70% from the field on 10 attempts (seven made straight after missing the first three) and 50% from beyond the three-point arc (one of two attempts).
This game was the first time that the Rockets’ superstar got to test whether the team has any championship caliber. Following the game, Durant spoke to the media about the positive takeaways from the game. He spoke about their young point guard, Reed Sheppard, who is stepping into some big responsibilities this season with Fred VanVleet’s injury.
“Just how aggressive he was,” said Durant when asked what he liked about Sheppard’s game. “I always tell Reed to put his head down and try to create a play for us, and tonight he did that, especially in transition. We’re going to need that going forward, and this is a step in the right direction.”
The 21-year-old guard from Kentucky had 11 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks in the game while shooting 57.1% from the floor and 50% from beyond the three-point arc. The next few months are a pivotal stretch that could decide the direction in which Sheppard’s Rockets career is driven.
The Rockets currently need a strong point guard to fill in the role of Fred VanVleet, who is out with an ACL injury for the season. Durant himself was recently asked what he felt about Russell Westbrook potentially reuniting with him on the Rockets as they look for a solid replacement for VanVleet.
But the Rockets cannot sign another player on their roster before December 15, as they are currently only $1.25 million under the first apron. Thus, the next few weeks present a unique opportunity for Sheppard to prove his worth as a regular starter. Otherwise, it is likely that near Christmas, the Rockets will look to replace him with a veteran point guard in the starting role, like Westbrook, if he is still available at the time.
It’s going to be the first time in eighteen years that Russell Westbrook starts the regular season without a team, as a free agent. The former MVP is rumored to want a reunion with Kevin Durant and Steven Adams, his former Thunder teammates, on the Rockets.
Therefore, come Christmas, what will be the best course of action for the Rockets in your opinion? Should they give Sheppard more time than just a few weeks to prove himself? Or should they go all-in on a veteran point guard replacement? Let us know what you think in the comments section.
