Even though these players are in the preliminary stages of their careers, NBA experts have labeled the 2024 NBA Draft as one of the worst in the league’s history. Fortunately for the Houston Rockets, their third overall pick, Reed Sheppard from the University of Kentucky, has shown glimpses of being one of the best players in the draft.
According to many college basketball experts, the 6′ 3″ guard was projected to be the No. 1 overall pick despite averaging 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game in 33 games. However, those who watched the NBA Vegas Summer League quickly understood why. In the four games played, Reed delivered an outstanding performance. He averaged 20 points on 50% shooting, 5.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 steals. His exceptional play earned him a spot on the All-Summer League First Team, making him and the Miami Heat’s center Kel’El Ware the only rookies to be named to the first team.
In an interview with Vanessa Richardson of Space City Home Network, Rocket head coach Ime Udoka discussed the impressive qualities of Sheppard and how he would fit into the team.
“We know about the things he does really well, but to see how much of a well-rounded player and natural leader he is, he’s fit right in,” Udoka said. “He processes what teams are trying to do to him. They’re throwing some different looks at him and putting different personnel on him, and he’s taking it in stride.
“He just has a really good feel. He keeps it simple. He doesn’t over-dribble or get himself in trouble. He takes the shot when it’s there, makes the pass when it’s there. He’s not worried about his result, it’s about what’s best for the team.”
In addition to coach Udoka speaking highly of Sheppard, notable NBA journalists have also praised the play of the rookie. Some say Sheppard’s game reminds them of former great point guards like Mark Price and Steve Nash, a two-time NBA MVP. Sam Vecenie of The Athletic mentioned on the Game Theory podcast that Sheppard’s impressive performance in the Summer League could potentially make him the “best player the Rockets have drafted since their rebuild began in 2021.”
“I think Reed is their highest ceiling guy — if it all goes right,” Vecenie said. “If everything goes right for Reed, then he is a great mid-range scorer, a great 3-point shooter, unbelievable passer and playmaker, and an unbelievable overall defensive playmaker. I think he is their highest-ceiling guy in today’s NBA.”
Vecenie continued, “I think Reed is a higher-upside player than Jalen Green, personally, at this point. That’s no shot at Jalen Green, I just think Reed’s passing and playmaking, and feel, are just worlds ahead of where Jalen Green is. Jalen has all the athleticism and separation ability, and all that stuff — but the ability to make plays for your teammates and be an unselfish player.”
Last year, the Rockets completed their season with an overall record of 41-41. They even went on an 11-game winning streak and flirted with making the playoffs, but fell short. Despite having a .500 record, they finished 11 in the Western Conference but ultimately fell short of making the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, which only the 7-10 seeds qualify.
The Rockets didn’t make the postseason, however, glimpses of progression from the team’s young core were shown last season. For one, Alperen Sengun has established himself as a solid player with all-star potential. The 7-foot Turkish big man made an incredible leap this year. He’s averaging a career-best 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5 assists per game this season. Not to mention, he’s young. He just turned 22 years old this summer. He missed the end of the season last year because of a Grade 3 right ankle sprain. When he returns to the line-up, there’s no limit on how good the Rockets could be.
Another positive was the evolution of the Rockets’ shooting guard Jalen Green. The second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, averaged 17.6 points per game, but during the 11-game win streak, he averaged 29.8 points per game, including several high-scoring games such as two 40-plus point games and two 37-point games. His outstanding performance led to him being named Western Conference Player of the Week for March 11-17. The 22-year-old averaged 24.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game that week, leading the Rockets to a 3-0 record.
The Rockets’ fourth-overall pick Amen Thompson, who along with his teammate Jabari Smith Jr., played on the USA Select team, improved his game. The 21-year-old has arguably been the Rockets’ best all-around player. During the team’s win streak, the 6-foot-7 guard/forward from Overtime Elite averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, with four double-digit rebounding games, including a career-high 15 rebounds in a win against the Thunder.
Along with Sengun, Green and Thompson, Cam Whitmore has played exceptionally well. Last year as a rookie, Whitmore was the 2023 Summer League MVP, and during his rookie season, he went on a stretch where he averaged 14 points over a span of 21 games.
Adding Sheppard to this mix of young players will definitely benefit the Rockets. He and Whitmore have already demonstrated excellent chemistry while playing together during the Vegas Summer League. When asked about Sheppard, Whitmore said, “The fit is perfect. He has a bright future. I see it in my eyes, and everybody else sees it too. If he keeps working, like I know he is, he’s going to be a great basketball player, great career.”
