Houston Rockets select Reed Sheppard with No. 3 pick in NBA Draft

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 exceptional 52.1% from deep during his lone season in Lexington. He also averaged 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game. Sheppard was named an SEC Freshman of the Year.

Sheppard’s path to playing time seems pretty clear. He should immediately become Houston’s backup point guard and play alongside Amen Thompson in the backcourt. He should be able to play on the ball on offense at times and contribute defensively to Ime Udoka’s system. Houston’s most glaring problem last season was their lack of shooting. They finished 23rd in the championship. Sheppard immediately gives Houston a boost in this area.

Atlanta took Zacharie 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 take place Thursday night.