The Houston Rockets are operating on two timelines as they build toward sustained contention. One features veteran contributors such as Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams, each of whom battled injuries during the season and left the younger players to steer the postseason without them.

Those young players represent the second timeline, the group expected to carry the franchise once the veterans depart. The point guard position stands out as a particular area of focus. It became a glaring weakness all season once VanVleet went down. Reed Sheppard was selected to eventually replace him, yet he still has considerable development ahead before he can claim the lead guard job outright.

As a secondary ball handler, Sheppard showed real promise. He and Amen Thompson assumed bigger responsibilities than their natural roles might suggest. Both function best as off-ball players who can read the floor after the initial action unfolds and make smart secondary decisions. With VanVleet on the court they could restrict their involvement in the primary creation and simply initiate offense in spots.

Without him both were pressed into lead guard duties. Sheppard's skill set may fit that assignment better than Thompson's. His ability to hit deep shots off the dribble and around screens represents a key ingredient in the league's most efficient offenses. Most top teams feature a guard who can catch and shoot or create his own look beyond the arc after the defense reacts to the first movement.

Still the evidence from the season indicates Sheppard remains a step away from serving as the primary initiator. His strongest stretches came when he operated away from the ball and leveraged his shooting range to stretch defenses. When forced to dictate tempo and make every decision his on-court leadership and decision-making showed clear limitations. The Rockets require a floor general who can read defenses, protect the ball at a high level and deliver in clutch situations, all areas where Sheppard's growth curve stays steep.

Houston's dual-timeline construction only sharpens the dilemma at this spot. The veterans supply immediate stability while the young core must accelerate its development. The point guard opening sits squarely at the crossroads. The front office now faces a choice on whether to fast-track Sheppard's promotion or bring in outside help that keeps the backcourt's long-term plan intact. Training camp will provide the first extended look at how he handles both secondary and primary responsibilities. Consistent play could lock him into the starting lineup and confirm his place as the long-term answer. Inconsistent results could push the team toward a trade or free-agent addition before the deadline to secure a more polished option at the position.