The Houston Rockets’ G-League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, have been one of the most successful and best-run G-League teams since their inception in 2007. They have won the most championships (4) and are championship contenders year after year.
The Vipers have worked closely with the Rockets since their freshman year and have become a valuable training ground over the past few seasons, especially since the Rockets have had several high-profile draft picks recently. Just last season, both Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore spent time with the Vipers, and both players explained how the experience helped them in their rookie seasons. The Rockets recently signed another high-profile draft pick, Reed Sheppard, and traded Adrian Griffin Jr., who is entering only his third season after a disappointing sophomore year with the Atlanta Hawks.
With expectations for the Rockets at their highest in several seasons and playing time in short supply, the question is, will any current Rocket have to spend time in the G League next season?
Adrian Griffin Jr.
Of all the possible players who could spend time in the G League this season, Adrian Griffin Jr. is the most obvious — not because he doesn’t have the talent to play in the NBA, but because he’s coming to a team that’s already established at the forward position. They have Dillon Brooks as a starter, Cam Whitmore who can play shooting guard or small forward, and Tari Eason who may also spend some time at small forward. Not to mention Jae’Sean Tate, a Udoka-type player who may also get playing time. Griffin will have a tough time getting on the court, and playing for the Vipers is better than sitting at the end of the bench.
Reed Sheppard
Reed Sheppard’s playing time will be difficult, especially early in the season. The Rockets showed last season that even a top-five pick can spend time in the G League. Rockets on SI asked Rafael Stone during his post-draft press conference if Sheppard could spend some time in the G League, and Stone spoke positively about the Rio Grande system, saying it’s a viable option for all of their highly drafted players. However, coach Udoka said playing time will be determined on the court, not by draft position or name. Sheppard is not guaranteed to play regularly, but he will have the opportunity to work his way into the lineup.
Sheppard exceeded expectations during Summer League games, but Stone also mentioned during the post-draft interview that the competition in the G League is much stronger than in the Summer League. For Sheppard, it could come down to his performance in training camp and preseason. We’ve seen this a few times already, as Alperen Sengun and Tari Eason were expected to spend time in the G League during their rookie seasons, but strong performances in training camp and preseason kept them in the rotation all year long.
Sheppard’s ability to stretch the floor could give him an advantage when it comes to getting into the rotation early in the season. One of the main reasons the Rockets selected Sheppard at number three was his ability to make frequent three-point shots, but just like Griffin Jr., he faces a lot of competition for playing time. Even if he plays more shooting guard than point guard, he’ll have to contend with Aaron Holiday, another Udoka-type player, and Cam Whitmore, who could also play shooting guard. Sheppard likely won’t play for the Vipers this season and will carve out a role in the nine- or 10-man rotation, but that’s not guaranteed.
Sheppard and Griffin Jr. are prominent players who could spend some time in the G League as the other rotation players establish themselves as full-time NBA players. It will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next few months.
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