The Rockets completed their preseason trip to China going 1-1 against the Mavs. It was almost as if both teams agreed to rest their best players on separate days as Kyrie Irving made his return from injury Sunday while the Rockets rested Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams, who had been very solid in the first game.
Preseason games mean nothing unless someone gets hurt and, fortunately, that hasn’t been the case. But, there were meaningful moments in the first couple games, so we may as well draw some way-too-early conclusions about four players on this roster.
Reed Sheppard 8-17
After a year in which Sheppard was thrust into a key role when VanVleet was injured prior to last season, the growth of the third-year player has been a matter of significant speculation. The truth is that Sheppard is likely better off, like a number of Rockets, with VanVleet on the floor. Sheppard can shoot and playing off the ball makes a lot of sense for him. In two games so far, he’s 8-17 from three and could be a deadly sharpshooter, something the Rockets desperately needed last year.
Marcus Smart
People are going to absolutely love Smart. He is a tenacious defender — a former Defensive Player of the Year — but his offensive IQ and veteran leadership may be more important. In his first appearance with the Rockets, he had 20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and was 4-9 from deep. The Rockets have a number of three-and-D potential players like Tari Eason and Jabari Smith, Jr., but Smart is the first guy with a legitimate track record in that department.
Fred VanVleet
Sure, it’s preseason, but the Rockets just look different with FVV on the floor. He allows Sheppard and Amen Thompson to play off the ball and keeps control of the team on offense, particularly in the half court. It’s unlikely that FVV’s presence would have led to a deep playoff run last year, but being healthy this year with this talented young roster bodes well. Keeping him on the floor will be paramount.
Bruce Thornton
The rookie guard is built like a tank and plays with a veteran savvy thanks to his four-year college career. He has a knack for getting in the lane and absorbing contact while still being able to get off a good shot. How much he plays this season will depend on how well he shoots and injuries, but he’s an intriguing guy to watch.
