The Houston Rockets’ championship hopes took a significant hit this week with Fred VanVleet suffering a potentially season-ending torn ACL.
With the club’s starting point guard sidelined for most, if not all, of the 2025-26 campaign, Houston will have to turn elsewhere in pursuit of its first title since 1995. Amen Thompson, who is fresh off a breakout sophomore season, is expected to take on increased ball-handling duties, while Aaron Holiday and Reed Sheppard are also in the mix.
However, VanVleet’s injury also takes away another threat from beyond the arc, and the Rockets’ backcourt may need some additional help. While Sheppard could take a leap after playing a limited role in his rookie season, betting on a 21-year-old to suddenly thrive in a championship push is risky for a team that just traded for 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant.
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Mock trade sends Reed Sheppard to Heat
Sheppard certainly has potential, though he may not be ready for an increased role on a contending team. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report recently compiled a mock trade that would land Houston a veteran sharpshooter, sending Sheppard to the Miami Heat.
Here’s Buckley’s trade:
Rockets receive: Norman Powell
Heat receive: Reed Sheppard, Steven Adams, 2026 second-round pick (via CHI), 2027 second-round pick (via MEM)
Powell is coming off the best season of his career with the Los Angeles Clippers and was traded to Miami in July. He was even in consideration for the All-Star Game last season, averaging 21.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.0 three-pointers, 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 41.8 percent from three-point range across 32.6 minutes per game in 60 regular-season appearances.
With Thompson playing a point-forward role, Powell would give Houston a reliable off-ball scoring threat and spacing. The former isn’t known for being a great outside shooter, and Powell could help provide balance in the backcourt. Additionally, Houston has Clint Capela to back up Alperen Sengun, so giving up Adams wouldn’t be as significant of a loss.
On the flip side, Powell is 32 years old and on an expiring contract, whereas Sheppard was the Rockets’ third overall pick in 2024 and has plenty of upside. Still, if he is unable to prove himself with VanVleet sidelined, the Rockets may have to target a new backcourt solution if they want to win now.
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