In the lead up to the 2024 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets set their sights on former Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard, generating buzz and anticipation among basketball enthusiasts. The Rockets saw potential in Sheppard, with some even drawing comparisons to Toronto Raptors star Fred VanVleet.
There was speculation that Sheppard could even be the top pick for the Atlanta Hawks, a team in need of a boost in the backcourt. The San Antonio Spurs also expressed interest in Sheppard, holding the 4th and 8th picks in the draft. Trade rumors swirled, with the Spurs possibly looking to make a move with the Hawks for the coveted number one pick. However, the Rockets were determined not to miss out on their target this time, recalling how they lost out on Paolo Banchero to the Orlando Magic in the 2022 draft.
Following his debut in the Summer League, Rockets’ head coach Garrett Jackson praised Sheppard for his performance. In an interview with The Athletic’s Kelly Iko, Jackson commended Sheppard’s composure on the court, noting his ability to read the game well and execute plays effectively, especially in pick-and-roll situations.
“He was just steady,” Jackson remarked. “Let the game come to him, making the right reads. Any time we could get him playing pick-and-roll in space, especially high on the court, he was able to make reads, attack bigs, pull up and shoot.”
Drawing parallels between Sheppard and Fred VanVleet, Jackson highlighted Sheppard’s instincts and intelligence in the game. “Those types of instincts kind of remind me of Fred (VanVleet),” Jackson continued. “Fred’s not the tallest guy, but he’s very smart. Defensively, he’s got quick hands and knows how to jump lanes. Reed is very similar.”
The comparison to VanVleet added another layer of excitement and intrigue to Sheppard’s future in the NBA. As the Rockets continued to nurture and develop their young prospect, the basketball world eagerly anticipated Sheppard’s official entry into the league, eager to see if he could live up to the high expectations set for him.
