NBA Draft Scouting Report: Kentucky's Reed Sheppard
Reed Sheppard
Guard | Kentucky
Height: 6'3” | Weight: 185 lbs
2024 Draft Age: 19.98
Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Prospect Profile
Early in this college season, Sheppard surprisingly broke out as Kentucky’s best two-way player despite being a freshman. While it was expected he would be a solid player, he quickly became perhaps the team’s most important player early on which few saw coming on such a talented roster. Whether it was scoring — especially from beyond the arc — or being a defensive playmaker, he was doing it all from the very first week of the season.
On the defensive end specifically, he has been ridiculous at the point of attack and has racked up a ton of steals this season. Sheppard has a clear role in the NBA as a 3-and-D lead guard with some playmaking ability. He’s made a name for himself as being able to make smart rotations and playing quality on-ball defense that doesn't always see the stat sheet.
Offensively the 3-point shot is clearly a strong point of Sheppard’s game, but he also shoots incredibly efficient at the rim and can hit jumpers in spot-up situations or on the move. His feel for the game on both ends of the floor, efficiency and advanced playmaking ability cannot be ignored. He’s had quite a few games this season in which the passing and vision has been clear, with high assist numbers as a result.
Sheppard is a Kentucky native and was a legend in the high school scene for the state. The former four-star recruit was very impactful at the high school level, but few expected his leap to college to get off to such a hot start. Sheppard has the basketball genes, as both of his parents played at Kentucky, with his dad also wearing No. 15 while he helped the Wildcats win two national championships.
Highlights
Draft Projection
First-Round Pick in 2024 NBA Draft.
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