Who will the Houston Rockets select with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft? A number of players have been mentioned as possible No. 3 overall candidates. Reed Sheppard out of Kentucky was recently linked to the Rockets.
Houston has been rumored to potentially be interested in trading the pick. Other rumors suggest that Donovan Clingan could be an option for Houston. However, Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo of ESPN report that the Rockets “have demonstrated serious interest” in Sheppard ahead of the NBA Draft.
Sheppard's shooting ability has been a subject of discussion in NBA circles. The 19-year-old shot 53.6 percent from the field and 52.1 percent from beyond the arc across 33 games for Kentucky during the 2023-24 season. His efficiency unquestionably stands out.
But Sheppard's playmaking ability, which is something that Givony and Woo also mentioned, is something that has caught NBA teams' attention. The Rockets would like to add a playmaking guard but so would a number of other teams. And the fact that this specific playmaking guard can shoot the lights out from deep only helps his draft case.
Reed averaged 4.5 assists per outing with Kentucky. He added 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game. He is capable of helping out in multiple facets of the game which is clearly leading to interest ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Reed Sheppard's college career
Sheppard spent just one season at Kentucky. He started only five of the 33 games he played in. Nevertheless, Sheppard played at a high level. Overall, he averaged 12.5 points per game to go along with his impressive shooting efficiency numbers.
Sheppard still has room for growth on the defensive end of the floor. It will be intriguing to see how he makes the adjustment to the NBA from a defensive standpoint. At the end of the day, it is Sheppard's offensive game that is enticing the Rockets and other NBA teams.
Sheppard is only 6'3. His lack of size could leave some reason for concern. As long as he can continue to find success with his shot while growing as a playmaking guard, his size should not be too much of an issue.
Rockets, NBA teams evaluating Sheppard's potential
Sheppard is an interesting draft prospect. He may be selected within the first three picks of the NBA Draft. With that being said, it would not be shocking to see Sheppard fall down some NBA Draft boards.
Shooting over 50 percent from beyond the arc at the college level is attention-catching to say the least. He has a chance to become a reliable three-point shooter in the NBA.
But can he become a star? That is the question teams are likely asking themselves. Otherwise, they will risk spending a high draft pick on a one-dimensional player. The good news for Sheppard is that scouts seem to believe that he brings more to the table than just shooting ability.
In the end, Sheppard's playmaking development will go a long way towards deciding how his NBA career goes. If he becomes someone who consistently makes the right decision and sets up teammates for open looks, Sheppard can emerge as a well-rounded star guard.
And if the Rockets select him in the draft, they are surely hoping they get that version of Reed Sheppard.
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