The Rockets return this season with objectives and an unchanged major five. But a new relationship breathes a breath of lightness into the intimacy of the franchise. Steven Adamsarrived in Houston last February and Reed Sheppardpromising 3rd choice of the last Draft, have been weaving since the start of training camp a curious relationship. Opposed at first glance, the 31-year-old pivot, known to be very sarcastic, likes to confront the calm and (falsely) shy profile of the young 20-year-old leader.
“ He's very calm, he's a respectful guy, and then when you start to know him, he speaks really badly. Incredible, this child. I'm going to be there, and then he's going to come and say horrible things to me. I'm like, 'Oh my God, hasn't anyone heard that?!' » laughs the Kiwi about his young friend…
Common points
Steven Adams, aware that he and his new sidekick will play an important role within the “second unit”, considers it necessary to have relaxed and authentic relationships with his teammates.
“ For a center and a leader, no one is right. You need to be together to have the best vision of things possible. What I see, the leader may not see and what he sees, I may not see. If you have good chemistry, you'll be on the same page, and the execution will be better.” he describes.
The two players came together over things they both shared in their childhoods. Steven Adams tended cows in rural New Zealand, while Reed Sheppard grew up near a farm in Kentucky. It was therefore quite natural that the two players quickly shared their love of the outdoors, hunting and fishing. “ We kind of “clicked” from the start.”confirms Reed Sheppard.
The latter, who first benefited from the advice of his counterpart in the lead Fred VanVleet, is now receiving lessons from one of the best screen setters in the league.
After the fun, attention to detail
Known for his attention to detail, which he was able to sharpen while working with Ja Morant in Memphis and Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma, Steven Adams appreciates the moments spent studying this aspect of the game with the “rookie”.
“ Good teams, when they have great chemistry, do not need a timeout for the coach to announce this or that system. I think for this team, that’s the goal. If you aim for this communication, this chemistry, this trust, you can save time-outs and your coach's energy.”.
This budding relationship is therefore not to displease Ime Udoka: “It's funny to see the relationships that form during training camp, and him and Reed gravitate towards each other. They're there, doing shootarounds and all those little things after practice, but I think Reed is really receptive to the veterans' advice. Fred obviously took him under his wing, but so did Steven.”.
It's no secret: groups that live well overcome obstacles better. The Rockets face LaMelo Ball's Hornets this evening to try to confirm the good momentum at the end of last season.
