LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Just three games into the NBA Summer League, 2024 NBA Draft pick (No. 3 overall) Reed Sheppard has already made a name for himself.
Sheppard has been a standout player for the Houston Rockets, leading them to a 2-1 record with impressive averages of 20 points, 4.7 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.0 steals per game.
While many rookies are still adjusting to the NBA level, Sheppard has shown composure and skill, scoring over 20 points in two of his first three games.
“It’s basketball,” Sheppard said. “There’s highs and lows, nobody’s perfect. So just keeping a positive mindset through it all and going out and having fun, playing basketball the right way.”
The 20 year-old North Laurel High School and University of Kentucky star has adjusted well. After a slow start in Houston’s opener against Los Angeles, Sheppard stole the spotlight from second rounder Bronny James, scoring a game-high 23 points while finishing with five assists, four rebounds, three blocks and a steal. He was +21 in his team’s 99-80 win over the Lakers.
Sheppard’s dad Jeff, who has been able to watch Reed play in Las Vegas, likes what he has seen.
“Houston is a great fit for Reed,” he said. “Coach (Ime) Udoka is a great fit for Reed. He’s a tough coach for Reed that demands effort and attention to detail. That’s a good thing for Reed. I think the players at summer league that are not, and playing watching Reed play, are excited that he may bring some things to the Rockets they might not have. I think they’re excited about it. It’s really nice seeing him do some really cool stuff.”
Sheppard continued his impressive play against the Washington Wizards with Houston rolling to an easy 109-91 win.
He finished with 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the floor while dishing out seven assists. He also grabbed six rebounds while recording five steals and one block.
“I’m happy,” Jeff Sheppard said. “I’m really pleased from start to finish, not only Houston as an organization has treated and welcomed Reed, but also impressed with the NBA as a hole. With introductory meetings and a lot of the educational forces they have had from the pre draft process, combine and the lottery process.
“It’s a lot of fun and I tip my hat to the Houston Rockets organization, from top to bottom,” he added.
Sheppard did have some struggles during the Rockets’ first loss of the season on Monday, a 87-73 setback to Detroit, but still put up an impressive stat line.
He scored 15 points on 6-of-17 shooting from the floor, including 0-for-2 from 3-point range. Sheppard grabbed four rebounds and finished with two assists and six fouls during his 36 minutes of action.
“I don’t like to lose, I don’t think anyone does, so I’m not very happy,” he said after his team’s matchup with the Pistons. “It’s something I will learn from and the team will learn from as well. It’s a learning experience.”
Houston will be back in action Thursday with an 11 p.m. matchup against Minnesota. ESPN and ESPN+ will carry the game. Sheppard will face-off against former Kentucky teammate, and now Timberwolve, Rob Dillingham, with hopes of grabbing a win.
“The beauty of the summer league is you gotta to learn and you’ve got to figure things out,” Sheppard said. “When you get to the regular season, they’ll have other plays and schemes. This is summer league, it’s a lot of fun and you know, you get out there to compete.”
Sheppard’s continued improvement is due to hard work and effort, according to his father.
Jeff Sheppard said Reed has put a lot of work in to continue to improve his game.
“From the moment Kentucky lost (to Oakland) until today, Reed had worked hard to improve as basketball player,” he said. “From going to Los Angeles to work, to going to Houston before the summer league started, he has worked hard. He continues to get better while learning and continuing to develop as a basketball player. It’s been a blast to watch him play.”
