Reed Sheppard’s much-anticipated return to the NBA did not go as planned, as the rookie guard failed to log any minutes in the Houston Rockets’ thrilling 120-118 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night.

Sheppard, who had been sent to the G League earlier this month for additional development, was recalled by the Rockets ahead of the matchup. Many fans hoped to see the former Kentucky Wildcats standout on the court, but he remained on the bench for the entirety of the game.

While the Rockets leaned on their veteran guards in the tight contest, Sheppard’s absence raised questions about his immediate role with the team.

In the G League, Reed Sheppard demonstrated why he was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. In three games with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, he averaged an impressive 30.7 points per game while shooting 46.3% from the field and 40.5% from beyond the arc. Sheppard also contributed across the board with 8.0 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.7 steals in 35.5 minutes per game.

The Vipers thrived with Sheppard leading the way, winning two of their three games by convincing double-digit margins. His scoring, playmaking, and defensive intensity made an immediate impact and highlighted his potential as a future NBA contributor.

However, the Houston Rockets’ deep guard rotation and the competitive nature of the Western Conference have limited Sheppard’s opportunities to bring that success to the NBA level. For now, he remains a promising prospect, patiently awaiting his chance to make a significant impact on the Rockets’ roster.