(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets may have gotten the steal of the draft.
Reed Sheppard’s bucket-getting ability is second to none in this year’s class, and it didn’t take long before he put it on full display.
Sheppard has been quite impressive in the Summer League, and while he’s going to have his work cut out for him in terms of logging big minutes, coach Ime Udoka clearly likes what he sees.
When asked about why he’s been impressed by his rookie guard, he raved about Sheppard’s composure and basketball IQ (Via Space City Home Network & ClutchPoints).
“His composure. The IQ… The shooting ability… We know about the things he does really well. But see how much of a well-rounded player he is.”
Ime Udoka on what has impressed him about Reed Sheppard so far
(via @SpaceCityHN)pic.twitter.com/1lOkSsuklo
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 22, 2024
Besides his shooting ability, Udoka has been impressed with how Sheppard doesn’t force anything on offense and continues to make the right reads.
Opposing defenses have thrown multiple looks and personnel at him, yet he continues to take shots when they’re there or make passes when they’re right there.
Sheppard drew some concerns because of his size — or lack thereof — and defensive commitment or skills, but he’s clearly a savvy playmaker and a very intelligent offensive player.
He can knock down shots from all three levels, and he could shoot his way into the rotation right away.
Of course, Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green will start for the Rockets, with Amen Thompson also getting plenty of minutes in the backcourt, but Sheppard could be one of the first guys off the bench in Houston.
The Rockets want to contend and get back to the playoffs after a promising season, and he could be a big factor to do so.
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