Overview

• Team officials and recent reporting indicate no immediate trade is planned to replace Fred VanVleet at point guard.
• Head coach Ime Udoka says Sheppard made physical strides over the offseason and identifies confidence as his main hurdle.
• Sheppard’s rookie totals were modest in limited minutes, but he posted 19.7 points and 4.7 assists per game in a three-game starting sample.
• Amen Thompson enters the season with expanded on-ball responsibility as Houston searches for reliable creation.
• Analysts question how Houston will replace its leading assist provider, with the organization prepared to consider a signing or trade if internal options fall short following the Kevin Durant acquisition.