Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Ben Sheppard

The Celtics have a chance to add a contributor on a rookie deal, which potential extensions for Tatum and Brown and the new CBA make even more valuable.

Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

Since taking over for Danny Ainge as the Celtics' president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens has traded three-straight first-round picks to fortify a title contender and strengthen the supporting cast around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Boston could move into Round 1 this year by packaging the 35th overall pick and Payton Pritchard. But if the franchise doesn't move up the board, there will still be plenty of intriguing options.

One of those individuals is Belmont's Ben Sheppard. The six-foot-six 3&D wing would be an outstanding addition to bring off the bench.

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The Atlanta, Georgia, native converted on 40.5 percent of his catch-and-shoot opportunities. He's got smooth form and a quick release when necessary.

Sheppard also drilled 40.5 percent of his shots coming off screens. And while he's nearly automatic when open, he still capitalizes at a high clip with a hand in his face.

The Belmont Bruins' star does a terrific job relocating to make himself available as a kick-out option. He stays active without the ball and regularly makes his defender pay for turning his back to him.

But Sheppard's not just a shooter. His handles and long strides allow him to make a play when he's run off the three-point line.

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The former high school point guard has a tremendous feel for the game. He's an effective facilitator out of pick-and-roll and within the flow of the offense, and he keeps his head up and reads the defense to anticipate who's about to come open.

Sheppard's excellent at feeding the roller and the option left open when a third defender rotates to tag the screener as he dives to the rim. He also consistently makes the extra pass to get a great shot instead of a good one.

He's also a productive rebounder, and Celtics fans just learning about him will be thrilled to know he loves to push the tempo in transition.

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Defensively, he has a quick processing speed, which he pairs with his length to disrupt passing lanes and force turnovers. He repeatedly suckered teams into throwing a pick-six.

Sheppard also moves his feet well, can guard one-on-one, and doesn't foul. He earned a spot this season on the Missouri Valley Conference All-Defensive First Team.

While it's easy to see how he could excel in his role as a 3&D wing at the next level, every player has flaws.

Concerns include him not being quick enough to defend NBA guards. That could prove problematic in a switch-heavy scheme like the one Boston employs.

Sheppard's better suited to defend wings. He'll need to add muscle to take on that job at the next level. Fortunately, he has the frame to do so, and there's no reason to doubt he'll get stronger over time.

Navigating screens is another glaring weakness of his. He also tends to dig his heels in, slowing him down defensively. And too often, he plays upright at that end. He must improve his flexibility and his hip and lower body strength.

Offensively, as dynamic as he is, Sheppard's ok in traffic, which could limit what he's willing to do off closeouts against NBA defenses. And his lack of explosivity results in him getting sped up when trying to get to the rim.

Christian Braun made a living in Game 3 of the NBA Finals off cuts to the basket, often finishing above the cylinder; that's not something Sheppard brings to the table.

In conclusion, Sheppard's IQ, shooting, defensive abilities, and rebounding suggest he'll quickly prove an impactful player at the highest level. This author also expects him to improve some weaknesses and navigate around others, minimizing those concerns.

If he's available at No. 35, he'd be a fantastic selection for the Celtics and could even develop into a starter further down the road.

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