Rockets
The Rockets have another season of Reed Sheppard secured. Houston exercised his approximately $14 million option for 2027-28, according to RealGM.
The No. 3 pick in 2024 became a dependable contributor last season, averaging 13.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists while appearing in all 82 games. He started 21.
His role has changed with Fred VanVleet returning from injury and Marcus Smart joining the backcourt. Through four appearances, Sheppard is averaging 10.5 points and 4.8 assists in 23.3 minutes.
The outside shot hasn’t quite followed him into the new season. Sheppard is shooting 28.1% from three, compared with his career mark of 37.9%.
Still, Houston has seen considerably more than four games from him. Picking up the option keeps a young shooter and passer in the plans as the Rockets work through their backcourt combinations.
Mavericks
Daniel Gafford made his first career three-pointer Wednesday. Dusty May appreciated that he hadn’t spent the previous games trying to force one.
“I give him a lot of respect because typically when you start making them in practice, you start hunting them in games, and he hasn’t done that,” May said, via Grant Afseth of Dallas Sports Journal.
Gafford worked on his range over the summer, then knocked down his first attempt of the season against Oklahoma City. He hadn’t made a three in his first seven NBA seasons.
“He’s just continued to dominate the paint, dominate the paint,” May said. “And then when he finds them, he’s got to knock it down.”
With Dereck Lively II recovering from right foot surgery, Gafford has opened as Dallas’ starting center. His three-year, $54.4 million extension also took effect this season.
“I can’t say enough good things about the way Gaff’s playing right now,” May said. “Him and P.J., two holdover guys on the front line, have been phenomenal.”
Sixers
The Sixers are 4-1, but their starters have been doing plenty of the heavy lifting.
Philadelphia ranked last in bench scoring at 19 points per game through five games, as Michael Kaskey-Blomain of Sixers On SI details. Its starters had logged the most minutes of any starting unit, while its reserves had played the fewest.
Anfernee Simons supplied needed help Wednesday, hitting six threes and scoring 20 points against Indiana. Those are the contributions that give coach Nick Nurse a little more flexibility.
The rebounding remains another concern. Philadelphia is allowing 13.8 offensive rebounds per game while collecting nine of its own.
The Sixers are also shooting 32.6% from three. They’ve found ways to win despite those numbers, but there’s work available beyond the standings.
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