Jeff Teague's Take: Why the Rockets Should Keep Reed Sheppard Over Chasing Kevin Durant

Jeff Teague's Take: Why the Rockets Should Keep Reed Sheppard Over Chasing Kevin Durant

Jeff Teague’s Case Against Trading Reed Sheppard for Kevin Durant

The Podcast Hot Take

Former NBA guard Jeff Teague made waves on his Club 520 podcast by questioning the logic of the Houston Rockets trading rookie Reed Sheppard in a potential deal for Kevin Durant.

“I don’t know who Houston could even trade,” Teague said. “They just extended Steven Adams, and with young guys like Jabari Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore, and Sheppard—I wouldn’t move Sheppard. He’s got a real future.”

As a data guy, I appreciate Teague’s skepticism. Let’s break it down.

The Sheppard Factor: Why He’s Untouchable

Reed Sheppard isn’t just another draft pick. The Kentucky product shot 52.1% from three in college—a stat that translates well to modern NBA spacing needs. His playmaking metrics (4.5 APG with a 3.1 AST/TO ratio) suggest he could evolve into a Kyle Lowry-type floor general.

Houston’s rebuild hinges on cost-controlled talent. Trading Sheppard for a 35-year-old Durant (even a legendary one) risks mortgaging their future for short-term relevance—a move that rarely pays off outside championship-ready rosters.

KD to Houston? The Math Doesn’t Add Up

Teague also dismissed rumors of Durant joining the Spurs (“KD won’t go to San Antonio”) or Phoenix chasing Spurs rookie Stephon Castle. But let’s focus on Houston:

  • Age Gap: Durant turns 36 in September; Sheppard is 19. That’s a 17-year difference—essentially two NBA generations.
  • Contract Timeline: Durant’s $51M salary in 2025-26 would gut Houston’s cap flexibility as Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün approach max extensions.
  • Playoff Ceiling: Even with KD, are the Rockets beating Denver or Boston next year? Unlikely. Without him, they can still grow organically.

Verdict: Trust the Process (Again)

The Rockets spent years accumulating assets after James Harden’s exit. Swapping Sheppard—a potential cornerstone—for Durant feels like skipping steps. As Teague implied: sometimes the best trade is the one you don’t make.

What do you think? Should Houston chase win-now stars or stick with their youth movement? Drop your takes below.

WindyCityStat

Likes15.51K Fans3.53K

Hot comment (1)

青侍データ
青侍データ青侍データ
23 hours ago

データが物語る残酷な現実

ジェフ・ティーグの指摘は鋭い!35歳のKDと19歳のシェパードでは、17歳差はまるで「おじいちゃんと孫」レベルの世代ギャップ😅

3P成功率52%の逸材

シェパードの大学時代の3P成功率52%って…新人ながらも『スプラトゥーン』並みの命中精度ですよ!データ屋的には「この卵を割るな」と言いたい。

みんなはどう思う? 勝ちたいなら老舗寿司屋(KD)より成長中の回転寿司(シェパード)で我慢すべき?コメントで戦わせて🔥

86
71
0