Rockets Summer League HC Garrett Jackson Expects Reed Sheppard To Play More

The Matt Thomas Show

Garrett Jackson, Summer League head coach and assistant coach of the Houston Rockets, joins The Matt Thomas Show as the Rockets are 2-1 so far in the NBA Summer League. Reed Sheppard, the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has averaged 20 points and 4.7 assists in his first three games with the Rockets. Sheppard "always seems kind of calm" with the ball and his "poise" is one of his biggest strengths, but "he could be more vocal" on the court, Jackson said. Cam Whitmore, the reigning Summer League MVP, recorded a game-high 25 points against the Washington Wizards on Sunday. It's "good to see [Whitmore] kind of grow in that leadership role." Despite a 87-73 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Monday, newly acquired AJ Griffin had a positive impact with 18 points and five rebounds. The goal for Summer League is that "you want to get everybody's feet wet...and give them a little bit of structure," but also step aside and let the younger players develop their game. The Rockets will face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. "I expect Reed [Sheppard] to play more," but "I think Cam [Whitmore] is done."