Rockets Tanhualang: There is no difference between starting and substitute, I will become a leader in my own way

Houston Rockets backcourt star Reed Sheppard participated in a community event with his teammate Josh Okogie this week. During this week, Sheppard was interviewed by the media. He was also asked about the difference between being a starter and a substitute, his training in the offseason and his feelings about his limited role during the Rockets.

When asked about the difference between the possibility of a potential starter after Fred VanVleet's season reimbursement due to injury and continuing to be a substitute, Shepard said: It's the same for me, whether it's a starting or a substitute, there's no difference. I will continue to play like that in the way I play for the rest of my life. When talking about my training situation during the offseason, Shepard said: The most important thing is to enter the training room, stay there, and do all the training content. This is how I train this offseason. When talking about being the leader of the University of Kentucky back then, but having relatively few roles after joining the Rockets, Shepard thought: I think so, I am not the one with the biggest voice, but I can definitely influence others through my voice and actions and become the leader of the team in this way. This is one of the things I need to learn in the new season. The most important point is that I need to build confidence through the game and help the team through my own efforts on the court.

In the NBA regular season last season, Shepard played 52 games in 82 games, averaging 12.6 minutes per game, averaging 4.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.3 blocks, and 0.7 turnovers and 1 foul. His shooting percentage was 35.1%, three-point shooting percentage was 33.8%, and free throw shooting percentage was 81.3%. In the playoffs, Shepard only got three chances in total, with only 3.3 minutes per game, and averaged 0 points, 0.3 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.3 blocks, and 0.3 turnovers and 0.3 fouls. His shooting percentage was 0% and his three-point shooting percentage was 0%. In the NBA Development League last season, Shepard made a total of 3 appearances, averaging 35.5 minutes per game, with averaging 30.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 2.7 steals, 0.3 blocks, and 2.3 turnovers and 2.3 fouls. His shooting percentage was 47%, his three-point shooting percentage was 40.5%, and his free throw shooting percentage was 100%.

There is no doubt that Shepard's performance last season was a very disappointing one. As Tanhualang in the NBA draft last year, Shepard was highly expected by everyone, but his effect on the court was a mess, his offensive efficiency was not ideal, his scoring ability was not fully utilized, and he seemed quite struggling on the defensive end. Now that VanVleet has suffered a serious injury, Shepard has to take on more responsibilities in the new season, and he will undoubtedly get more playing time and performance opportunities. Under such circumstances, can he perform well under heavy pressure?