Why is Reed Sheppard still not starting?

For anyone that doesn't watch the games or doesn't see certain actions, just watch when Reed is in the game with Sengun (doesn't happen much). Anytime Sengun has the ball in the paint and Reed is close, they NEVER help off Reed which means Sengun gets to go 1 on 1 with no help.

Sadly, most times it's Amen's defender that comes help and we generate open 3's for Amen or DFS every game like this. Would love to see Eason or Jabari in the corner but we never play multiple floor spacers at the same time with Reed.

 

Reed doesn't start because Ime Udoka is coach.

We can debate Reed's pros and cons. It is interesting how certain players (Jabari) won't be yanked from the floor when going 2-for-18 and playing "I dare you to shoot....oops!" defense, but Reed can hit two three pointers....and be quickly subbed out. Often for, say, DFS's corpse.

Not a Reed apologist. Just saying.

 

I love Jabari, don't need to defend that.

It's possible he climbed over the average number in the past few games but I stated both at the bottom of his slump and the peak of his streak that I'll only be willing to keep him if he averages 38% on the season. There's been times Jabari finds himself barely above average at some point in the season so you'll understand if I don't fall for it again.

I'm going to give you a pass on that last comment because I like you, but you know full well he's been below average for weeks and his entire career so you're just trolling here. I've been defending Jabari since the day he was drafted till his slump in his 4th season (and you can check that for yourself). I have no motive for tearing him down.

If you're looking for a Jabari hater here, you're lost.

 

The Rockets need to keep things simple.

If Were Ime I'd get Amen & Reed in a room and tell both of them that the success of the team is riding with you. Start Reed the rest of the season to see what I have, They could actually share the ball handling duties depending on who's in the game. But let Reed run with that first five for the rest of the year and give him a long leash too see what the number 3 pick from last year can do. He might get comfortable and surprise.

Next I'd play Capela, Eason & Okogie off the bench and run those eight the rest of the way. Eason should be our primary 6th man. Simplify things.

They really need to run plays for Sengun & Durant, our two best offensive players (too much one on one pounding the ball), and let the other guys play off those two.

Play Amen as the ace defensive wing on D and as a forward on offense most of the time. Allow Reed to assume the ball handling duties and let him go. When running plays for Reed ( to take advantage of his shot) or if Reed is out let Amen run point.

If it falls apart, then assess what changes need to be made.

 

He just might be

 

It’s really simple. Ime is a defense wins championships coach. He doesn’t care about offense, he just wants to hold the opponent to under 100 pts and have good enough offense to score more. He can’t comprehend what great offense is. He needs to go. Bring in Mark Jackson, he started that whole Curry/Klay offense before Kerr took over.

 

Udoka is set in his ways on what are acceptable shortcomings are and what aren't.

At a certain point you have to use common sense and realize when something isn't good enough, and the starting unit we've been playing isn't. All 5 are fine individually, but there's just far too many offensive issues collectively playing multiple guys with shooting and ball handling shortcomings.

 

Because Ime is a dumbass.

DD

 

You lost us at "Mark Jackson". Mark Jackson did NOT start that offense. Like Udoka, he started the culture and defense. In the Warriors title runs they were exceptional defensively in the playoffs. Kerr had to carry over the defense and install the offense that suited the players he got. It's not a coincidence Mark Jackson has not gotten a job in the NBA while touting himself as the guy who built the whole thing - it's because no GM believes him.

We need our Kerr. Our Mazzulla. Ime's defense and tough culture has been great but it can be carried over.

 

If they keep throwing shade, we're going to make his nickname Mr Generational.

 

7 games won by reed (should be 9) this season

he’s everything udoka needs.

 

You know, some players may be a liability on offense. Like when you play with more than one player that cannot shoot from distance - then one of these players is definitely a liability as the opponent defenders just leave him wide open and force a TO on the player with the ball (which is easier when we don’t play with any natural pg). The benefit of what Reed can bring to our offense worths more than what we lose on our defense.
Some may claim that Jokic is a liability on defense too..

 

... and photoshop DD's face on all his pictures.