Rookie Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson Bond Before Rising Stars Showdown

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Ahead of their match against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 30, rookie guard Reed Sheppard demonstrated intense focus while sitting with head coach Ime Udoka during the Houston Rockets‘ shootaround at FedEx Forum.

Sheppard, selected third overall by Houston in the 2024 NBA Draft, listened intently to Udoka’s guidance. However, the atmosphere shifted when Amen Thompson, a fellow Rockets player and Sheppard’s close friend, approached them. Thompson playfully attempted to distract Sheppard, making gestures and sounds that broke the rookie’s concentration.

“I’m going to be doing this when we play against each other during All-Star Weekend,” joked Thompson while continuing his practice drills. “I hope they put another person on me because if one player I know guards me, I will score a lot.”

As Sheppard fought to maintain composure, laughter erupted among the group, showcasing the friendly rivalry that exists between the two. Head coach Udoka also shared in the amusement at Thompson’s antics.

The relationship between Thompson and Sheppard is strengthened by their shared experiences, despite being raised in different states—Thompson in California and Sheppard in Kentucky. Their bond has been evident to teammates and media alike, particularly as the duo often shares a locker at the Toyota Center.

Thompson, selected fourth overall by the Rockets in the 2023 Draft, is set to face Sheppard in the Rising Stars Challenge on February 17 at the Chase Center in San Francisco, home of the Golden State Warriors. This year’s format has teams competing for advancement against NBA All-Stars, including Rockets center Alperen Sengun.

Sheppard earned his spot in the Rising Stars competition after a brief three-game stint with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the Rockets’ G League affiliate. As part of the competition, he will join a team with other G League talent. Meanwhile, Thompson will team up with his twin brother, Ausar Thompson, who plays for the Detroit Pistons.

<p“Amen’s awesome,” Sheppard said. “He’s always got a smile on his face; he always comes and plays hard every game. He’s having a ridiculous season, great kid, so I’m happy for him.”

Those sentiments are reciprocated. Thompson respects Sheppard’s work ethic, noting his resilience despite limited playing time on a Rockets team competing for Western Conference playoff positioning with a record of 34-21. Sheppard’s recent opportunities have increased due to an ankle injury sidelining veteran guard Fred VanVleet since February 1.

As the two prepare to compete against each other, Thompson’s defensive vow adds excitement: “Reed talks so much, so it’s gonna be fun. Doesn’t he look unassuming? He looks like he wouldn’t say anything,” he joked with a wide grin.

Fred VanVleet, a seasoned player on the team, has praised the camaraderie between the two young stars. “Those two have a special bond,” he said. “They are both very competitive, but at the same time willing to listen and learn. They lean on each other a lot. You want to see this from young players, especially when jealousy can creep into a situation where one player may be playing more than the other. They support each other and want nothing but the best.”