Windhorst: The Rockets may need a senior point guard, but Shepard can’t guard him
6686 Sports, October 25th As the season progresses, it seems to the outside world that the Rockets may need to add an experienced number one position.
Earlier, well-known sports reporter Brian Windhorst mentioned in his latest report that "after losing Fred VanVleet and deciding to let the still immature Thompson serve as the starting point guard, there is a discussion within the league: whether the Rockets finally need to bring in an experienced point guard to serve as a starting point guard." It’s a safe choice.”
In the Rockets’ opening game, after Amen Thompson left the game early due to cramps, Uduka once asked No. 5 Alperon Shenjing to serve as the “de facto No. 1 position”, which shows that his back line is indeed stretched.
However, a senior management source told Brian Windhorst revealed that he recommended Shepard as the point guard. He said: "In fact, all the answers lie in their formation. I believe in Shepard. He will gradually complement Thompson in this role. There are indeed some things he cannot do now, but I have followed him since he was a teenager - he has always proved the doubters wrong, as long as you give him time."
But scouts one by one pointed out: "Sheppard is too easy to be targeted by opponents on the defensive end. Sometimes it is difficult to keep him on the court for too long. His defensive awareness is not good enough, his reactions are not fast enough, and he often stands in the wrong position."
According to ESPN data, Shepard defended a total of 11 breakthroughs with the ball in the Rockets' loss to the Thunder in the opening game, of which 5 were passed by opponents.