NBA execs: Reed Sheppard the favorite to win Rookie of the Year
On the heels of a breakout showing at summer league, Sheppard (the Rockets’ pick at No. 3) took home the most votes, with “best pick” loosely defined as the strongest intersection of value and fit. There’s a good deal of optimism around the league surrounding Sheppard’s future, and the prevailing thought is that he might be the next Kentucky Wildcats guard to fully blossom upon his arrival in the NBA. “Sheppard is going to help Houston right away, and I think he has a chance to be an All-Star down the road,” one high-ranking Eastern Conference executive said.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
More on this storyline
NBA Communications: The NBA 2K25 All-Summer League First Team: GG Jackson II, @memgrizz; Jordan Miller, @LAClippers; Scotty Pippen Jr., @memgrizz; Reed Sheppard, @HoustonRockets; Kel’el Ware, @MiamiHEAT -via Twitter / July 22, 2024
David Hardisty: In an interview with @Vanessa Richadson, #Rockets coach Ime Udoka praises Reed Sheppard’s overall feel for the game, calling him a “natural leader.” “He just continues to make the right play. That’s something that’s hard to teach.” -via Twitter @clutchfans / July 21, 2024
“Reed Sheppard, for example, has blown me away with his feel for the game and confidence,” the executive said. “These guys are different players now than they were in March. Their bodies have gotten better. They are more explosive. And they’ve all been working on their game like crazy. This is going to be a fun group to follow. … -via ESPN.com / July 18, 2024