season — and not by accident. After Fred VanVleet’s ACL injury left a

massive void at point guard, Ime Udoka turned to a “point guard by

committee” approach. That decision thrust Sheppard into a bigger role

earlier than expected, and he has responded with elite efficiency, high

IQ basketball, and a skillset that perfectly elevates the stars around

him.

Sheppard isn’t a ball-dominant floor general yet, but he is the ideal

complementary guard for a team in win-now mode. His 63.8% True Shooting

and 47.7% from three have transformed our jumbo lineups, giving Kevin

Durant, Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and Steven

Adams the spacing and rhythm they need to operate. Whether it’s

relocating to punish KD doubles, timing cuts off Şengün post touches, or

giving Adams and Eason clean outlets in “twin tower” sets, Reed’s

chemistry with the roster is undeniable — and the lineup data proves it

with a +33.9 Net Rating alongside the starters.

Defensively, he’s no liability either. His instincts, anticipation, and

1.6 steals per game give the team a disruptive perimeter presence, and

his synergy with Amen Thompson forms a balanced backcourt where Reed’s

shooting opens lanes for Amen’s elite downhill game.

Looking ahead, Sheppard’s development hinges on tightening his handle

against pressure, expanding his off-the-dribble creation, and growing as

a playmaker when defenses lock in. If he continues producing at this

level, he becomes a cost-controlled long-term answer at guard — a

massive asset for a contender. If not, the front office has the

flexibility to pivot at the trade deadline.

Right now, Reed is passing every test thrown at him. His shooting, IQ,

and chemistry with our core make him an essential piece of a

championship-caliber roster — and his growth could be the swing factor

in how far this team goes.

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I own none of the footage in the video, it is intended for the purposes of critique and education.