“It was a really fun game and a great atmosphere,” Sheppard said Friday night. “We had a good week of practice, and at first, it was just getting into a rhythm, shaking off the nerves, but as the games went on, I got more comfortable.”
Shepard’s second game on Sunday was just as impressive as his first. The Rockets faced the Wizards, who included No. 2 pick Alex Sars and No. 14 pick Bob Carrington. Carrington nearly had a triple-double in his first outing and finished with 19 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Sunday’s game was projected to be a solid guard matchup, and both Shepard and Carrington went to work early. Carrington had a bit of a strange shooting night, but still finished with 18 points and five assists in a 109–91 loss. Shepard finished with another great stat line and looked like a veteran player, finishing with 22 points, seven assists, six rebounds and five steals.
When Shepard’s shot wasn’t falling early, he found ways to get to the rim or set up the defense for easy kick-out 3s. In the second half, he found Cam Whitmore for a backdoor cut in the halfcourt set, which received a loud applause from the crowd.
In just two games, he looks extremely comfortable in NBA spacing, is patient and plays with great speed. Defensively, he is recovering from switches, deflecting passes and getting blocks. It’s still early, but even some of the best guards in the NBA are seeing his potential. Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young posted on the And three of Shepard’s future Rockets teammates – Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason – watched from the baseline at the Thomas & Mack Center and were impressed.
“He’s really good, I don’t even know what to say,” Thompson told Yahoo Sports about Shepard. “He’s a guy who makes all the right plays. He’s a really good passer, can shoot and defend. I’m excited.”
Shepard has the potential to be more than just a glue guy or lead guard in the secondary unit. Because of how well Shepard is playing and his extreme versatility on both ends of the court, he could become the franchise’s starting point guard.
“The biggest thing for him is he’s getting more comfortable on the court,” Rockets Summer League head coach Garrett Jackson said after the game. “I know he’s a good player and he’s confident, but especially with rookie players, just be comfortable on the court, everything falls into place after that. I’m glad it’s sooner rather than later.” That’s what is happening.”
Shepard’s role varied considerably during his one year at Kentucky. He came off the bench and played more of the ball with Rob Dillingham (who was drafted 8th overall to the Timberwolves). Shepard shot very well, shooting 52.1% from 3-point range on nearly four attempts per game, and led the team with 4.5 assists per game. His playmaking and off-ball movement weren’t as sophisticated as we’re seeing in his first few Summer League games, and he credits his teammates and spacing for more freedom.
“I’m really just taking what I’m given each game,” Sheppard said. “We have a lot of good players that can space the field, and it’s opened things up for me. It’s about making the right basketball play. If I’m open, shoot it. If I’m not, So attack and win when someone else is open. I’m just relying on my teammates and making all the right basketball plays.”
This is Whitmore’s second season with the Rockets and he was named 2023 Summer League MVP last year. The 6-foot-7 wing has, by far, been one of the best players in this Summer League and has quickly found a rapport with Shepard. Whitmore is averaging 22.5 points through the first two games and has shown what Whitmore is seeing on both sides of the ball by taking Shepard aside at times.
“Playing with Reed and seeing what he can do on the floor is really exciting,” Whitmore said. “He can really do everything, even on the defensive end. Even though he’s not the tallest at like 6-1 or 6-2, he can still get steals, get into gaps , can get into the passing lane and get blocks. I love playing with him.”
Summer League is always a time to assess new players and see how they fare in their first taste of the NBA. League officials and scouts keep an eye on other teams to see who hits or misses on certain prospects. After two games, it’s safe to say that the Rockets got good games from Shepard, and he’s proving to be a player who can come in right away and contribute in his first year.
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