Rockets Reportedly Believe Reed Sheppard Can Develop into an 'All-Time Great'

Reed Sheppard had a solid second season after a shaky rookie year, and those within the Houston Rockets' camp believe the young guard is only beginning his ascension.

According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Tim MacMahon, some within the organization believe Sheppard "has the potential to develop into an all-time great, such as former Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash, if given enough time and the right conditions."

"He just flashes so much greatness you can't teach," a team source said. "From Steve Nash to Steph Curry, none of those little guards play great their first few years. We're still big believers in Reed."

The high hopes for Sheppard aren't as prevalent externally, as Shelburne and MacMahon noted that one rival source said he could become "more like Steve Kerr," though that comparison is nothing to scoff at, considering Kerr won five titles.

Sheppard saw much more playing time in Year 2 with starting point guard Fred VanVleet out with a torn ACL. He was a Sixth Man of the Year candidate after putting up 13.5 points, 3.4 assists and 2.9 rebounds.

Those numbers are slightly better than Nash's Year 2, as the legendary point guard averaged just 9.1 points, 3.4 assists and 2.1 rebounds in his second season before later becoming a two-time MVP.