Is Reed Sheppard playing tonight against Washington Wizards? Latest on Rockets point guard's status for Summer League game (July 14)
The NBA's Summer League in Las Vegas is only on day three but Reed Sheppard already has some analysts drooling over how high the young guard's ceiling can be. The Houstons Rockets' rookie impressed during his NBA debut against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. Sheppard is on the Rockets' roster and will suit up for their upcoming game against the Washington Wizards on Sunday.
Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, was remarkable during his opening game against the Lakers. The Kentucky native racked up 23 points, four rebounds, five assists, three blocks and a steal. He shot 9/17 from the field and made four of his six three-pointers.
There were some concerns about whether the 6-foot-3 guard could make an immediate impact in the NBA. Sheppard, however, quelled any concerns with an eye-catching performance where he controlled the game from start to finish. Against a talented Lakers lineup that featured the likes of Dalton Knecht, Maxwell Lewis and Bronny James, Sheppard overshadowed his opponents.
The Houston Rockets face the Washington Wizards on Sunday at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The game is set to tip off at 6:00 p.m. EST. ESPN will show the game nationally and it can also be caught on local television channels Monumental Sports Network and Space City Home Network. Fans who are interested in streaming the game can catch it on Sling.
Following their encounter with the Wizards, the Rockets will face the Detroit Pistons (July 15) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (July 18).
Reed Sheppard developed into one of the nation's top shooters under John Calipari at Kentucky
Reed Sheppard made a name for himself at North Laurel High School in Kentucky. The sharpshooter averaged 30.1 points per game in his sophomore year to lead the state and followed that up with junior and senior seasons where he averaged 25.5 and 22.5 points, respectively.
Strong offensive production meant Louisville, Virginia, Gonzaga and Texas A&M were all interested in the rising star. Eventually, Sheppard chose to attend the University of Kentucky, where he would play under legendary head coach John Calipari. The fact that his father, Jeff, also played basketball for Kentucky may have been another reason he opted to play in Lexington.
Under Calipari's guidance, Reed Sheppard developed into one of the NCAA's most consistent shooters. He finished his freshman year shooting over 53 percent from the field and 52 percent from behind the arc. He was rewarded for his hard work by being named the SEC Freshman of the Year before eventually being drafted to the NBA.