In preparation for GLOBL JAM 2023, Reed Sheppard, a freshman basketball player for Kentucky, spoke with the media on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. Sheppard was questioned regarding the guidance he has received from his parents, Stacey Reed and Jeff Sheppard, two former UK players. AUTHOR JOHN CLAY Reed Sheppard, a native of Kentucky, is about to embark on an unlikely basketball odyssey. Sheppard was a welcomed addition to the UK squad when the 2023–24 college season got off, but it was anticipated that the in-state standout would stick around and maybe even become a regular four-year player for his home-state institution.
Instead, Sheppard quickly became a national sensation, appearing on NBA draft boards within weeks of starting his freshman year and finishing the season as a consensus choice for a high pick in the draft lottery. As the 2024 NBA draft approaches on Wednesday (June 26), numerous respected mock drafts predict Sheppard will be selected among the top five overall picks. Here’s the analysis from draft experts across the country on the standout player from the University of Kentucky.
ESPN’S JONATHAN GIVONY
In his list of the top players in the 2024 pool, veteran NBA draft analyst Jonathan Givony has Sheppard ranked fourth overall. In his most recent ESPN mock draft, the former UK player is projected to be selected third overall by the Houston Rockets.
“If Houston decides to keep the third pick, addressing their need for improved shooting is likely a priority following a season where they ranked near the bottom of the league. In this context, selecting Sheppard, a sharpshooter who made more than half of his three-point attempts and can play effectively both on and off the ball, could be an appealing option. Sheppard’s team-oriented approach, basketball IQ, and strong defensive skills could complement the Rockets’ existing core well.”
Regarding the San Antonio Spurs, who hold the fourth and eighth picks and are aiming to build around Victor Wembanyama, Sheppard is identified by Givony as the top choice with the fourth pick, should he still be available. Givony highlights Sheppard’s willingness to contribute selflessly, citing his readiness to come off the bench throughout his season at Kentucky despite being capable of starting, which makes him an ideal fit alongside Wembanyama and the expectations surrounding him.
It’s interesting to note that Givony suggested Rob Dillingham, Sheppard’s old teammate from the UK and another outstanding rookie that John Calipari benched last season, as the next best option to play with Wembanyama.
ESPN’S JEREMY WOO
Jeremy Woo, an NBA draft expert who is currently employed by ESPN, was entrusted with identifying the players in this 2024 draft class with the best individual skills. Woo selected Sheppard as the top spot-up shooter in the draft.
“(He) appears at ease from all over the arc and has a great baseline to keep getting better. If he can get more separation off the bounce, he has even more room to refine his shot off the bounce.” His ceiling is determined by how much he can improve as a handler, but his road into a job is made easier by his ability to stretch the floor away from the ball. However, he has a very respectable shooting profile that might enable him to provide a greater off-ball danger in some situations.
Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, who was a strong supporter of Sheppard during the 2024 predraft process, also had the Kentuckian selected No. 3 by the Rockets in his most recent mock draft. Teams’ opinions on him are divided; while more academically oriented groups consider him a strong candidate for the No. 1 choice, others regard him more as a late lottery pick because of his small stature. With all of their youthful talent surrounding him, he is the ideal connecting element, therefore the Rockets can afford to take a chance on him. The one thing this youthful core lacks is skill—he’s a great shooter. Sheppard moves the ball swiftly to involve everyone in the game and has exceptional game sense.
CBS SPORTS’ GARY PARRISH
In an updated CBS Sports mock draft on Monday, seasoned college basketball pundit Gary Parrish had Sheppard selected even higher—No. 2 overall to the Washington Wizards. Sheppard’s varied skill set, which is exemplified by his exceptional ability to make shots from all around the court, makes him my favorite prospect in this selection. Although his small stature is a concern, he offers so much great stuff that, if I were managing a Washington team in desperate need of practically everything, I would find it difficult to pass on the current CBS Sports National Freshman of the Year, who shot over 52% from three points during his one season at Kentucky.
In her most recent mock draft for Yahoo Sports, Krysten Peek, who covers the NBA draft and has a ton of recruiting experience, projects Sheppard a little lower. He may slip as low as No. 6 overall on that list, which is against the Charlotte Hornets, on Wednesday night. With a 50% 3-point shooting percentage in his lone year at Kentucky, Sheppard can clearly stretch the floor with his 3-point shot. However, his job in the NBA will probably be more as a combo guard. He will most likely start for the Spurs at No. 4, but he won’t likely be able to go past the Hornets.
THE RINGER’S KEVIN O’CONNOR
In his most recent mock draft, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, one of the first NBA draft pundits to speculate about Sheppard getting first overall in 2017 draft, has the former Wildcat drafted third to Houston. (And fourth overall, fit-wise, on his most recent ranking of the top prospects.) Sheppard’s defensive influence and “incredible instincts” were highlighted by O’Connor, who also described Sheppard as “mentally strong” and highlighted his clear superiority as a 3-point shooter despite his small stature.
“Superb connective playmaker who makes quick decisions in the half court and dishes out gorgeous outlets and kickaheads on the break.” Can he develop into a starting point guard? Although he still has to work on his ball-handling, he possesses the essential baseline handling abilities with a quick left-to-right crossover and a variety of hesitation moves. Pick-and-roll also possesses the grace and fleeting vision.”
BLEACHER REPORT’S JONATHAN WASSERMAN
Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report projects Sheppard as the Rockets’ potential No. 3 overall pick, noting that while Houston has a young and talented roster, they might also consider trading down from that position. Wasserman emphasizes Sheppard’s strengths: elite shooting, passing ability, and intangibles such as character, which impressed scouts and executives during the NBA Combine interviews.
Wasserman suggests that Sheppard, who plays as an undersized shooting guard with limitations off the dribble, would benefit from pairing with Amen Thompson in the backcourt. Thompson’s creation and playmaking skills, along with his ability to defend larger guards, complement Sheppard’s strengths well. Sheppard, in turn, provides floor-spacing that aids Thompson, who is a limited shooter but adept at handling the ball.