Reed Sheppard joins Houston Rockets via 2024 NBA Draft

Kentucky point guard Reed Sheppard, who shot over 52 percent from three-point range during a highly efficient college season with the Wildcats, is now a member of the Rockets. The 20-year-old was Houston’s No. 3 pick in the first round of the 2024 draft.

Sheppard, a 6-foot-2 sharpshooter, joins a Houston team that needs more 3-point shooting. During the just-concluded 2023-24 NBA season, the Rockets ranked among the top 10 in 3-point attempts, but they ranked among the worst 10 teams in accuracy.

“I’m super excited,” Sheppard said, as reported by Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. “They’ve got a really good team in Houston. Coach (Ime Udoka) is really good. Like you said, Jalen (Green). They’ve got a really young, athletic group of guys, and we’re going to be able to play fast. It’s going to be fun. I’m super excited to get out there and learn and take it all in, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Sheppard will suit up for the Rockets for the first time when Houston takes part in the 2024 NBA Summer League, which begins July 12 in Las Vegas. In the meantime, here’s a look back at Sheppard’s first days with the organization, culminating in the June 26 draft.