Shepard withdrew from Summer United early! Sore calf makes the Rockets unwilling to take risks, averaging 23 points per game to improve defensively

On July 15, according to Rockets reporter Danielle Lerner, the Rockets decided to put sophomore guard Reed Shepard on the quit after two NBA summer league games. He not only missed today's game against the Hawks, but also would not play in the remaining games of the summer league again.

Rockets assistant coach and summer league coach Garrett Jackson said the decision was for preventive purposes. Shepard had planned to play most of the Rockets' games in Las Vegas, but he had a sore calf at the end of the opening game and the team was reluctant to let him take any risks for playing continuously. Jackson called Shepard's sore calf ache "mild symptoms." This decision by the Rockets is not uncommon: Previously, the Mavericks allowed No. 1 pick Cooper Flag to end the summer league journey ahead of schedule. Two years ago, the Rockets also put Jabbarry Smith and Tari Ethan on the quit after two summer league games.

Shepard averaged 23 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, 1.5 blocks, 4.5 turnovers, with a shooting percentage of 36.4%, a three-point shooting percentage of 31.8%, and a free throw percentage of 70%. His offensive performance fluctuated greatly. In the Rockets' first game against the Clippers, Shepard overcame a slow start, scoring 28 points and 6 of 15 three-pointers (including three consecutive hits at the end of the third quarter).

When facing the Pistons two days later, Shepard struggled under the opponent's continuous ball pressure and physical confrontation - although he gradually adapted to the rhythm and became the Rockets' scoring leader with 18 points, he only handed in 1 three-pointers with 17 shots and 6 turnovers and only 1 assist.

However, Shepard showed stable strength in both games: he performed well in both one-on-one defense or the Rockets' prediction of the passing route when using regional joint defense. He contributed 4 steals in each of the two games, and gave out 3 additional blocks against the Clippers. Even if he is broken through on the outside, he can return to defense in time to help his teammates interfere with shooting under the basket.

The new season, Shepard is expected to get more playing time. Can he perform better? Let's wait and see.