Rockets Coach Ime Udoka Reveals Reed Sheppard's Most Appeasing Intangibles

After a successful outing during the Summer League tournament, coach Ime Udoka revealed Reed Sheppard's most appeasing intangibles.

Jul 14, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) dribbles around Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr (12) during the third quarter at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports / Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets drafted Reed Sheppard with their No. 3 pick of the 2024 NBA Draft. He was a prospect from Kentucky who became stunning to the Rockets due to his ability to shoot the 3-point.

However, a successful outing in the 2K25 Summer League Tournament proved that Sheppard would be more than a 3-point specialist. In a recent interview with Vanessa Richardson of Space City Home Network, coach Ime Udoka revealed the intangibles that make Sheppard appeasing while in Las Vegas.

Coach Udoka has liked what he has seen from rookie Reed Sheppard 💪🏼

The @houstonrockets final summer league game is tonight at 8pm on Space City Home Network! pic.twitter.com/5VC2FvLfP4

— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) July 21, 2024

"We know about the things he does really well, but to see how much of a well-rounded player and natural leader he is, he’s fit right in," Udoka said. "He processes what teams are trying to do to him. They’re throwing some different looks at him and putting different personnel on him, and he’s taking it in stride.

"He just has a really good feel. He keeps it simple. He doesn’t over dribble or get himself in trouble. He takes the shot when it’s there, makes the pass when it’s there. He’s not worried about his result, it’s about what’s best for the team."

Sheppard played significant minutes while in Las Vegas and showcased why he belonged in Udoka's rotation as a rookie next season. He averaged 20.0 points on 50.0 percent shooting from the field, 5.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 steals across four games.

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