The Houston Rockets selected Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard, the USBWA National Freshman of the Year, with the third overall pick in the NBA draft on Wednesday.
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
Player: Reed Sheppard
Position: SG
Height: 6'3"
Pro Comparison: Kirk Hinrich
Scouting Report: Elite shooting, passing IQ and excellent defensive instincts have scouts willing to look past Sheppard's underwhelming size and athleticism. But he's started to shed the limited role player and connector role with more frequent flashes of creativity, tough finishing and shotmaking off the dribble.
Fred VanVleet, PG: $42.8M (2026)
Dillon Brooks, SF: $22.3M (2027)
Steven Adams, C: $12.6M (2025)
Jalen Green, SG: $12.5M (2025)
Jabari Smith Jr., PF: $9.8M (2026)
Amen Thompson, PG: $9.2M (2027)
Jock Landale, C: $8M (2027)
Alperen Şengün, C: $5.4M (2025)
Tari Eason, PF: $3.7M (2026)
Cam Whitmore, SF: $3.4M (2027)
Jeff Green, PF: Club option
Jae'Sean Tate, SF: Club option
Reggie Bullock, SF: UFA
Boban Marjanović, C: UFA
Aaron Holiday, PG: UFA
Jermaine Samuels, SF: RFA
Jeenathan Williams, SG: RFA
Nate Hinton, SG: RFA
Sheppard averaged 12.5 points on 53.6 percent shooting (52.1 percent from three-point range), 4.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.5 steals in 28.9 minutes per game. Understandably, Sheppard's offensive efficiency and defensive playmaking have helped raise his draft profile.
Sheppard's biggest issue is that he ran hot and cold during his lone season at Kentucky. He scored 20 or more points on seven occasions, including a season-high 32 at Mississippi State.
But he also struggled at times, perhaps nevermore than in a first-round loss to Oakland in the NCAA tournament (three points, 1-of-5 shooting).
The talent is clearly there, though, with Sheppard. And growing pains and inconsistency are to be expected from a freshman, especially one playing a power conference schedule.
Ultimately, Houston is getting an exciting player with great two-way potential on the next level. It may take him a while to acclimate to the NBA, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see Sheppard carving out a long and prosperous career once he gets going.
