The third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, many basketball analysts expected Reed Sheppard to be one of the top rookies this season. Many predicted that he would be the eventual Rookie of the Year. The rookie class was expected to be one of the weaker ones amongst recent draft classes, and Sheppard had an elite skill at college. He was a deadeye three-point shooter in his one season at Kentucky. It was a skill that seemed as if it would translate over well to the NBA level.
The Houston Rockets are off to an excellent 24-12 start on the season. That is the second-best record in the Western Conference and fourth-best in the NBA. The team has immense depth throughout the roster, and with the team’s success, Sheppard has been seeing playing time infrequently.
Due to the depth, and in order get Sheppard more time on the floor, he was sent down to the G League. He made his G League debut on Tuesday where he showed out for the crowd.
Reed Sheppard Shows Out In G League Debut
Reed Sheppard’s G League Debut Saw Him Score At Will
The Rockets G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, took on the Oklahoma City Blue on Tuesday. The Valley Vipers had a notable player making his debut with the team in the 20-year-old Sheppard. It was just the previous day on Monday where Sheppard was assigned to Rio Grande in hopes of finding him more playing time. It was certainly a debut to remember for the sharpshooter.
On Tuesday, the Blue defeated the Valley Vipers by the score of 130-125. Despite the loss, Sheppard put on a show for those in attendance. In 37 minutes, the 6-foot-2 guard dropped 49 points to go along with five rebounds, six assists, and three steals. In the productive outing, Sheppard shot 17-33 from the field and 8-19 from beyond the arc. It was quite the first impression.
Certainly, it was an epic debut in the G League. Perhaps it was one that can help build confidence for Sheppard at the NBA level. His inconsistent minutes with Houston have led to inconsistent play.
Inconsistent Playing Time With Rockets
While Sheppard has appeared in the majority of the Rockets games (30 of 36), he hasn’t been receiving the playing time that was anticipated of him. He has averaged just 11.6 minutes per contest. Eleven outings have seen Sheppard not reach double-digits in minutes played, and only one has he reached 20.
On the season, Sheppard has posted averages of 3.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists with Houston. His shot hasn’t been falling as evidenced by his 32.2 field goal percentage and 27.9 three-point percentage. Prior to the NBA, Sheppard turned heads during his one year at Kentucky. While there, he connected on 75 of his 144 three-point tries for a stellar mark of 52.1% from deep.
It remains to be seen how much longer Sheppard will play with the Valley Vipers. It also remains to be seen how lighting up the scoreboard at the G League level will help him while with the Rockets.
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