Reed Sheppard set to make north of $25 million on rookie deal
Sheppard was the third-overall pick to the Houston Rockets
From Mr. Kentucky to a 4-star prospect just trying to find his rhythm at a high-profile Kentucky Wildcats program to now the third-overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Reed Sheppard has had an incredible last 18 months.
Sheppard was taken by the Houston Rockets and was the first collegiate player selected after two French players went with the first and second selections.
The main draw to Sheppard is his high-efficient shooting, shooting 52.1% from deep last season, and elite basketball IQ. He’s also a solid athlete and typically makes the right basketball play, resembling a player like Steve Nash.
On a young Rockets team, Sheppard should fit right in, especially if he serves just as a spot-up shooter in his first season. As for what he’s set to make, that was broken down by Jeff Drummond below.
Sheppard shot over 50 from the field and from deep, along with over 83% from the free-throw line. While his off-ball defense could use some help, he is a strong on-ball defender and averaged 2.5 steals per game at the collegiate level.
The sky is the limit for Sheppard, and with Houston, where they have a few budding stars, he should be able to find a good footing to start his NBA career.
As for the Cats, Rob Dillingham was the only other player to hear his name called Wednesday, as he was technically taken by the Spurs with the No. 8 overall pick. Antonio Reeves later went to the New Orleans Pelicans at No. 47 overall, while Justin Edwards got a two-way deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, and Tre Mitchell got a summer league invite with the OKC Thunder.
