NBA Draft: Rockets to Address Shooting?

In a recent mock draft, the Houston Rockets selected Reed Sheppard eighth overall.

The Houston Rockets are not a great shooting team. The Rockets take the 15th most threes per game in the NBA, but they have only made the 19th most thanks to a 35.1 percentage across the team, which is the fifth-worst in the league. 

Except for Dillon Brooks, none of Houston's key players can be considered elite shooters, so they might rectify that in the NBA Draft.

Feb 13, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Reed Sheppard (15) drives to the basket during the second half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center / © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

A recent mock draft by Bleacher Report has the Rockets using Brooklyn's eighth overall pick to select Reed Sheppard, a bench guard from Kentucky. 

Sheppard averages 11.9 points per game on a whopping 50.9 percent shooting from downtown. Obviously, that number is not sustainable in the NBA, but adding an elite catch-and-shoot threat should be a main priority for Houston this offseason. 

The Wildcats are 17th in the most recent AP Poll but have several NBA Draft projections, including Rob Dillingham, Zvonimir Ivisic, DJ Wagner,  and Justin Edwards.

Sheppard is a smart and reliable player who thrives off-ball and would be an excellent floor-spacer. He would allow Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore to create for themselves, and hit shots when required of him. 

He is also an elite perimeter defender who can make life tough for opposing guards, despite his lack of size or athleticism. If his shot falters in the NBA, his defense will be enough to keep him afloat long enough for him to get his shot back.

Plus, he will be buried on the depth chart his rookie season anyway, so he would be able to develop into an NBA-level talent during his first season in Houston. 

With his lethal shooting and solid defense, there is hope that he would be able to develop into a Derrick White-type player, although that might be optimistic. Keep in mind that White did not post 15 points per game until his fourth season.

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As the draft cycle continues and Brooklyn continues to fall, expect Houston to rise up in the draft lottery and be able to make a splash.