San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets viewed as favorites to take the top shooter in 2024 NBA Draft
A new ranking of the top prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft points to the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets being among the teams that are likely to target the same player in Round 1, and he just so happens to be the best shooter in this year’s class.
Unlike their Texas counterpart the Dallas Mavericks — who are currently playing in this year’s NBA Finals — both the Rockets and Spurs are in the unfortunate position of owning a top-five pick in this month’s draft. While they will have a chance to get one of the best prospects in this year’s class, this is seen as one of the weakest drafts in years.
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That is why both organizations must leave no stone unturned and make sure they make the most of their pick because of the lack of depth in this class. One player who has a chance to be an impact talent at the next level is Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard, and ESPN NBA Draft expert Jeremy Woo believes he will be high on the boards for both the Spurs and Rockets.
Woo seems confident that he will not be selected by the Hawks or Wizards at No. 1 or No. 2, respectively. However, he believes his market then opens up at No. 3 with the Rockets. If he is not selected by Houston, he does not see him falling past the Hornets at No. 6. The Spurs have the fourth overall pick this month.
- Reed Sheppard stats (2023-24): 12.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.5 APG, 2.5 SPG, 52% 3PT
“[Sheppard’s] impressive freshman season and elite shooting numbers have helped him to break the mold for a guard his size and put him at or near the top of many analytics models, helping to frame the conversation around his upside,” Woo wrote.
“The fact he can play on and off the ball — and makes the most of his limitations defensively — also helps envision a valuable floor.”
