The two starting backcourts lack offensive firepower! Is it time for the Rockets to let Tan Hua Lang enter the starting lineup?

In the previous NBA regular season, the Houston Rockets, playing at home, defeated the Orlando Magic in a thrilling 117-113 after overtime. After this game, the Rockets, who had won 4 consecutive victories, improved their record to 9 wins and 3 losses, and continued to rank third in the Western Conference; while the Magic, who ended their 3 consecutive winning streak, saw their record drop to 7 wins and 7 losses, and their ranking fell to 11th in the Western Conference.

In this game, the performance of the Rockets' substitute backcourt star Reed Sheppard is worthy of recognition. Shepard played 28 minutes and 45 seconds, making 6 of 11 shots, 2 of 4 from beyond the three-point line, and 2 of 2 free throws. He scored 16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. He also had 4 fouls. His plus-minus reached a game-high +19. Sheppard still maintained a good touch on the offensive end. He didn't take many shots, but he also seized the opportunity and scored a lot of points, which can be regarded as providing a lot of help and support to the team. Sheppard's performance on the defensive end was not particularly bad, or he did not encounter any major problems. The performance of the Rockets' two starting backcourt players in this game was very unsatisfactory. They encountered huge resistance on the offensive end and did not play the role they should have played at all. If it weren't for Sheppard's strong output from the bench, the Rockets' outside firepower would be severely lacking, and whether the team could ultimately win is a huge question mark.

In the NBA regular season last season, Shepard played a total of 52 times in 82 games, averaging 12.6 minutes per game. He averaged 4.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game. He also had 0.7 turnovers and 1 foul. He shot 35.1% from the field, 33.8% from the three-point range, and 81.3% from the free throw line. In the playoffs, Sheppard only got a total of 3 playing opportunities, averaging only 3.3 minutes per game, averaging 0 points, 0.3 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game. He also had 0.3 turnovers and 0.3 fouls. He shot 0% from the field and 0% from the three-point range. Since the start of this season, Sheppard has averaged 22.9 minutes per game in the first 12 games, averaging 12.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game. He also has 1.3 turnovers and 2 fouls. His shooting percentage is 49.1%, 47.8% from three-point range, and 66.7% from free throws.

Sheppard's progress this season is obvious to all, especially on the offensive end. His self-confidence has grown significantly. His performance on the court is completely different from last season. In recent times, Shepard has become a key figure in the team many times and played a decisive role. In fact, judging from the current situation, the Rockets actually have quite a problem on the offensive end. The stability of the two starting backcourt players on the offensive end, especially their shooting ability, has serious deficiencies, which has also greatly affected the team's offensive integrity. From a long-term perspective, putting Shepard in the team's starting lineup should be the most reasonable arrangement, and it is also an arrangement that is in line with the team's long-term team building method. Anyway, sooner or later he is going to be a starter, so he might as well do it now.