Rockets Eye Sheppard, Sengun to Offset VanVleet ACL
Rockets Eye Sheppard, Sengun to Offset VanVleet ACL

Rockets Eye Sheppard, Sengun to Offset VanVleet ACL

News summary

With Fred VanVleet out for the season after a torn ACL, the Rockets project four starters — Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Kevin Durant — while the fifth spot is up for grabs between veteran big Steven Adams and rookie Reed Sheppard. Houston plans to offset VanVleet’s loss by running unconventional creation through Sengun and Thompson, with Durant serving more as an off‑ball facilitator. Sheppard has shown encouraging preseason shooting (about 15 PPG, 51.2% FG, 40.7% 3PT) and defensive activity, but his assists‑to‑turnovers profile raises concerns compared with VanVleet’s steadiness. Amen Thompson is being presented as an elite two‑way defender with All‑Defensive recognition whose athleticism anchors the club’s defense, though his long‑term shooting consistency remains a question. The Rockets expect their 110.3 defensive identity to persist with contributors like Dorian Finney‑Smith and Adams‑based lineups helping generate extra possessions, but Sheppard’s ball‑handling under pressure and Thompson’s shooting are key uncertainties for the regular season.

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