Inside The Rockets

Rockets' Reed Sheppard Predicted as Rookie Stat Leader

The Houston Rockets could boast one of the best rookies in the NBA.

Jeremy Brener

Jul 12, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) drives the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) during the first half at the Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Jul 12, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) drives the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) during the first half at the Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images / Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets selected Reed Sheppard with the No. 3 overall pick, and even though minutes may be hard to come by for the former Kentucky Wildcats guard, he could still be one of the best rookies in the NBA.

Bleacher Report draft analyst Jonathan Wasserman believes Sheppard could lead the league in steals among rookies.

"A 4.6 steal percentage at Kentucky led all drafted players and highlighted Reed Sheppard's signature defensive anticipation," Wasserman writes. "He's demonstrated an unteachable knack for jumping opponents' moves/decisions and passing lanes. Special hand-eye coordination and hand speed should continue translating to strips and deflections, regardless of the situation."

Sheppard prides himself on the defensive end, and playing for a coach like Ime Udoka could help unlock those stealing abilities. But Sheppard can also be dynamic on offense as well.

Wasserman believes he could also lead all rookies in 3-pointers.

"The Houston Rockets last year ranked 12th in three-point attempts and tied for 23rd in three-point percentage. While Sheppard was able to showcase some hidden creation during summer league, Udoka will mostly value the 52.1 percent three-point stroke his No. 3 pick unleashed at Kentucky," Wasserman writes.

The Rockets needed a 3-point specialist, so adding Sheppard couldn't have been a better fit for them. It remains to be seen how much of a role he will play during the season, but when he gets a chance, the Rockets should see their steals and 3-point numbers rise.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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