While most of the attention went to Atlanta Hawks’ Zaccharie Risacher and Los Angeles Lakers’ Bronny James after the draft, Reed Sheppard changed all of that once Summer League was done. As a result, NBA executives are picking him to be the likely player who’ll come out on top of his draft class.
Sheppard’s ascent in the NBA with the Rockets appears boundless, marked by his stellar performance in the NBA Summer League. Averaging an impressive 20 points and 5.3 assists per game, his standout display earned him a spot on the All-Summer League First Team, igniting a wave of excitement around the young sharpshooter.
Despite initial doubts about his transition to the professional level, Sheppard silenced skeptics in Las Vegas, showcasing his versatility beyond expectations. Notably, his ability to attack the rim stood out, challenging the perception of him primarily as a three-point shooter and defensive stalwart.
With a basketball IQ and shooting prowess that hint at All-Star potential, Sheppard’s trajectory points towards a promising career highlighted by possible Rookie of the Year honors and multiple All-Star appearances. Expected to play a significant role off the bench for the Rockets, the rookie’s exceptional showing in Vegas foreshadows a bright future where he may surpass initial projections and emerge as a star in the league.
Houston Rockets’ Reed Sheppard Receives Massive Endorsement From NBA Executives
After his performance in Summer League, one that even bested Risacher and Washington Wizards’ Alex Sarr, basketball fans raved about what the future has in store for Sheppard. According to an article written by Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo for ESPN, even NBA executives have chosen the rookie as the most likely to come out on top of his draft class
After Sheppard impressed as the Rockets’ primary point guard, Clingan, who landed at pick number seven with the Portland Trail Blazers, followed closely in the rankings. His lower position was influenced by draft dynamics, with teams opting to address different priorities over selecting the draft’s premier rim-protecting center.
Although the Rockets rookie did a good job in Las Vegas, the true test will begin once the NBA returns later this year. In any case, a lot of eyes will be on Sheppard to see if he truly has what it takes to rise to the top of his draft class
