Houston selected the Kentucky guard third overall
The Houston Rockets selected Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard with the third overall pick in the NBA Draft.
Sheppard averaged 12.5 points per game on 53.6% shooting overall and an outstanding 52.1% from deep in his lone season in Lexington. He also averaged 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game. Sheppard was the SEC Freshman of the Year.
Sheppard’s path to playing time seems pretty clear-cut. He should immediately slot in as Houston’s backup point guard and play alongside Amen Thompson in the backcourt. He should be able to play off the ball on offense at times and contribute defensively in Ime Udoka’s system. Houston’s most glaring issue last season was their lack of shooting. They finished 23rd in the league. Sheppard immediately gives Houston a boost in that area.
Got our guy @reed_sheppard | #Rockets pic.twitter.com/0u20ejZczL
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) June 27, 2024
Atlanta took Zaccharie Risacher with the first overall pick. Washington followed that pick by selecting Alex Sarr.
Houston also has the 44th selection in the draft, which will occur Thursday night.