Reed Sheppard’s tenacity led to Houston Rockets’ affection in 2024 NBA Draft

Reed Sheppard’s shooting has made him a top prospect heading into the 2024 NBA Draft. He played one season for the Kentucky Wildcats and produced the nation’s best 3-point shooting percentage, shooting 52.1 percent from the field while averaging 12.5 points in 33 games.

However, Sheppard emerged as the Houston Rockets’ top prospect due to his intangibles outside of his shooting. Coach Ime Udoka and general manager Rafael Stone gravitated toward Sheppard because of his on-court tenacity prior to the draft.

“We had dinner last night and got to meet the family,” Udoka said at Sheppard’s introductory press conference Tuesday. “Stacey has said it many times: ‘You can’t be soft.’ I know he’s heard it his whole life. I heard it about five times last night. It’s something I know I don’t have to tell him. If he gets soft, I can just call Mom.”

During the 2023-24 season, Sheppard averaged 12.5 points and 4.5 assists in 33 career games with the Kentucky Wildcats. With the selection of Sheppard, the Rockets got a top shooting prospect, someone who could create more space on the floor.

However, the tenacity he shows coincides with Udoka’s teachings as the Rockets’ coach. Last season, several players revealed that Udoka’s coaching and teachings had a certain tenacity. Yet each young player, like Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, has shown growth.

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