The 2024 NBA Draft will be an important event for teams to build for their future. Here is the Reed Sheppard 2024 NBA Draft Profile.
Reed Sheppard Background
Position: Guard
Size: 6-foot-1.75, 181.6 pounds
Class: Freshman
School: Kentucky
2023-2024 stats: 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.5 steals, 0.7 blocks, 53.6% FG, 52.1% 3FG, 83.1% FT
Sheppard vastly outplayed his recruiting rating and had a great season at Kentucky. He is now in the 2024 NBA Draft.
As a four-star recruit, Sheppard decided to follow in his dad Jeff’s footsteps and play for his home-state Kentucky. He had a phenomenal freshman season where he averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. His play helped Kentucky get a no. 3 seed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, but they were knocked out in the first round.
Following the tournament exit, Sheppard declared for the 2024 NBA Draft. He is currently projected to be a top five pick.
Reed Sheppard Strengths
Sheppard was one of the best shooters in the country last season. He shot over 52 percent from 3-point range, which is incredible for a freshman. Sheppard showed the ability to shoot off the catch and to shoot off the dribble well. His shooting is solid from the mid range and he also hits a high percentage of his free throws at over 83 percent.
He has great floor vision to create for others. Sheppard can set his teammates up for open shots, boosting their chances of making them. He operates the pick and roll well, as he is a threat to score, but if the roller or someone else is open, he can find them.
Defensively, Sheppard is a gambler who can produce some turnovers. He can pressure the ball decently well, but he really excels at jumping passing lanes. At 2.5 steals per game, Sheppard shows an understanding of how offenses will try to run and then uses that information to his advantage. He also has a solid number of blocks for a player his size.
Reed Sheppard Weaknesses
Sheppard is undersized for a guard in the NBA. At 6-foot-1.75 and 181.6 pounds, he will be one of the smaller guards in the draft. This could make it tough for him to finish at the rim, but also on defense when he might have to switch or try to guard bigger players.
While he creates for others well, Sheppard can struggle to create his own shot. He can continue to work on his ball-handling and quickness to help himself create separation. Currently his best options for scoring are: transition, catch and shoot opportunities and using a pick and roll. Adding the ability to score in isolation will make him a more diverse player.
He can be guilty of being too greedy and ball-watching on defense. Sheppard can often lose his man and give up easy baskets. He can make up for it with his steals, but if he stays locked in on his responsibility, he can be a better team defender.
Projected Draft Range: Top Five Pick
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