They wanted it, they got it! The Rockets got their hands on Reed Sheppard with their third choice of the Draft which was rather coveted. The Kentucky guard was the target of GM Rafael Stone who believes he is quite simply the best player of this vintage.
“I don’t want to put anyone down in this Draft, and I think it’s a talented Draft. A lot of guys can and will have really productive NBA careers,” underlines the Rockets GM. “But after we looked at everything, Reed stood out to us as the best player in the draft, by far. He was kind of the only guy we were really focused on.”
With Reed Sheppard, the Rocket get a very reliable shooter on the back line. But the profile of Rob Dillingham’s former teammate is not limited to his external address.
“If we hadn’t had it, we would have traded this pick, with a lower pick, or we would have gone out of this Draft altogether. When we had the opportunity to take him, we jumped at the chance,” adds Rafael Stone. “He can do a lot of things. His shooting…is historically excellent, as well as his game sense, his passing, his ability to deflect passes, and he’s an NBA-caliber athlete. He is not someone who is limited athletically. He understands and he feels the game. There are a lot of things we like about him. »
A player compatible with the current squad
The Rockets GM is also counting on the compatibility of his 3rd Draft choice with the team already in place and its playing identity.
“He can really shoot and he can really pass. Players like him fit into every system,” Rafael Stone is satisfied. He will fit well with Alperen (Şengun). He will work well with Amen (Thompson). He can adapt well with Fred (VanVleet), with Dillon (Brooks). But because he is above all a talented basketball player, especially on the offensive level. »
Finally, Houston leaders believe that Reed Sheppard has a unique talent, which will make him a unique player in the years to come. “A lot of players, including Donovan (Clingan), could have a lot of success. But our assessment was that Reed has a very unique skill set that gives him a chance…to be unique in the NBA.” concludes Rafael Stone.
One thing is certain, Reed Sheppard can already be seen there! “They have a very good project in Houston. The coach is really good. There’s Jalen (Green). They have a very athletic group of kids and we will be able to play fast. We’re going to have fun… There are guys like Fred VanVleet who I’ll be able to draw inspiration from. I’m going in with an open mind, ready to learn, ready to do whatever it takes to win. »
