After a disappointing 3-3 start to the month, the Rockets have a much needed break for All-Star Weekend. However, not everyone on the team is getting the same amount of time off.
KD and Şengün’s break will include a chance to face off against each other on Sunday evening. Sophomore guard Reed Sheppard is also representing his team on Friday night for the Rising Stars Tournament.
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I’m hoping to see some big games out of Sheppard, ideally showcasing his skills on a national stage. Last season he was scoreless in four minutes of play, sort of mirroring his rookie NBA experience overall, as I recently covered on Roundtable. He only played for the G-League Rising Stars team, who were definitely the underdogs.
Now he’s on the most stacked team, headlined by Cooper Flagg, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper. All top four draft picks, with the reigning rookie of the year being the only pick outside of the top three. With Flagg reportedly missing the game, per ESPN, there’s even more shine for Sheppard.
Alperen Şengün was granted as one of the many injury replacements for the All-Star Game, perhaps something that will motivate him to win the whole thing. He’s certainly played well enough to get the recognition the first time around, as previously covered on Roundtable.
The old wily veteran, Kevin Durant found his way to an impressive 16th time being selected, for his fifth different organization. As Houston fans have come to realize, he does what he does, regardless of the jersey. Nothing has changed there.
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Unfortunately no Rockets were invited to the events on Saturday night. Tari Eason is shooting nearly 50-percent from beyond this ark, but we won’t be seeing him in the contest. The tournament competitions on Friday and Sunday hope to showcase the other Rockets players.