Reed Sheppard enters his sophomore year with the Rockets feeling at an all-time high, primed to take on more playmaking as Fred VanVleet recovers from a knee injury. He spent the summer bulking up and focusing on defense, signaling a step up in responsibilities alongside Amen Thompson. Houston will likely lean on the two guards in a rotation that Udoka will shape, with a preseason opener against Atlanta offering the first look at possible lineups and fantasy upside.