Reed Sheppard vs. Rob Dillingham: Who's the better fit for the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft?
The Washington Wizards entered last month's draft lottery tied for the best odds to land the top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. After finishing the 2023-24 season with the second-worst record, Washington wound up securing the second overall pick. While reports have suggested that the Wizards are open to moving the pick for the right player, there has been no movement towards a deal with the draft just over a week away.
The organization has plenty of needs and could look to bring in a star collegiate guard such as Reed Sheppard or Rob Dillingham. With Tyus Jones headed to free agency, either player could slot in alongside Jordan Poole if he is not re-signed.
Take a look at which player is a better fit for Washington below.
Who is a better fit for the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA draft?
Reed Sheppard
Reed Sheppard averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.5 steals and 0.7 blocks while shooting 53.6% from the field, 52.1% from three-point range and 83.1% from the free-throw line in 28.9 minutes per game last season. The four-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class spent the only season of his collegiate career with the Kentucky Wildcats.
Sheppard is viewed as one of the safest options in this year's draft - which has generally been considered to be a weak class - due to his high floor. He played both on and off the ball in his lone season at Kentucky, excelling in both roles. His ability to do so would allow him to thrive alongside nearly any backcourt player.
While there have been questions about his size on the defensive end, he was not a liability on the less flashy side of the ball. Additionally, his ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others combined with his shot-making ability should make him an instant contributor.
Rob Dillingham
Rob Dillingham averaged 15.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.0 spg and 0.1 bpg while shooting 47.5% from the field, 44.4% from three-point range and 79.6% from the free-throw line in just 23.3 mpg. The four-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class spent the lone season of his collegiate career playing alongside Sheppard with the Kentucky Wildcats.
As was the case with his former college teammate, Dillingham thrived playing both on and off the ball at Kentucky. While his size is a question mark, he has shown the willingness to stay engaged on that end. Furthermore, his shot-making ability will be a valuable asset for any team at the next level.
The Washington Wizards remain in the early stages of a rebuild and should be focused on acquiring as much talent as possible. While Dillingham was the better scorer in their lone collegiate season, Sheppard - who outperformed him in nearly every other category and was more efficient - would be a better fit for the Wizards.