The 3rd overall pick proved his slow start at the NBA level will be short-lived as Rockets fans should remain patient with his development.

That is certainly proving true with Reed Sheppard. Just two years ago, Sheppard was seen as the local throw-in for a John Calipari recruiting class that was the best in the country. Cal had three of the top five recruits in the nation -- Justin Edwards,

Michael Shapiro is a sports reporter for Chron, covering the Astros, Rockets, Texans and every team in town. Michael is a Denver native and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, and a noted fan of pull-up threes, wide-receiver passes and a good hot fudge sundae.