Southwest Notes: Sheppard Sparks Rockets, Edey Exits Early, Coward Impresses, Pelicans Lean on Young Core
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HOUSTON — Second-year guard Reed Sheppard continues to bolster the Rockets’ backcourt. In his first start of the season Monday in Phoenix, the 21-year-old shot 2-for-9 but added five assists, three steals and finished plus-6 over 27 minutes, marking the eighth straight game in which Houston outscored opponents during his time on the floor. Through 15 contests, Sheppard is averaging 13.1 points and 3.2 assists while shooting .490 from the field, .471 from three and .706 at the line.
“The opportunity he’s getting, he’s taking advantage of,” head coach Ime Udoka said last week. “We needed him to take that step this year, regardless of Fred (VanVleet) being out.” With Kevin Durant missing Monday’s game for personal reasons, Sheppard moved into the starting lineup and could do so again Wednesday at Golden State if Durant remains unavailable.
Grizzlies Lose Edey, Rely on Rookie Coward
MEMPHIS — Center Zach Edey, who sat out the season’s first 13 games while recovering from offseason ankle surgery, left Monday’s loss to Denver early because of a head injury. The Grizzlies own a +16.5 net rating with Edey on the court and a –8.0 mark without him. “Zach is a huge part of what we do, both offensively and defensively,” teammate Cedric Coward said.
Coward himself has become one of the league’s most productive rookies after Memphis traded up to select him 11th overall in June. “He only played six Division I games, so a lot of scouts weren’t sure how his game would translate,” a Western Conference scout told RG.org. “Now he’s outperforming even the optimistic projections.”
Williamson’s Return Lifts Pelicans, Rookies Log Heavy Minutes
NEW ORLEANS — The Pelicans reminded the league of Zion Williamson’s value Monday by scoring 143 points against Chicago after managing just 98 without him Saturday. Williamson led the way with 29 points, but eight New Orleans players reached double figures. Interim coach James Borrego, who replaced Willie Green, called it “a better team win” while picking up his first victory in the role.
Outside of Charlotte, no team has used its rookies more than New Orleans this season. Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen and Micah Peavy remain in the regular rotation as several veterans recover from injuries, and that trend is expected to continue, according to the club.
Source: Hoops Rumors
